John 3 – INTRO - Entering the Kingdom of God – Part One APRIL 16, 2023
Thomas E. Kresal, PASTOR “Beef River Baptist Church, Beef River Baptist Church Strum, WI by permission
John 2:23-25 “Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did. 24 But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men, 25 And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.”
I have preached 3rd chapter of John in the past as a member of an IFB church. I merely parroted what I had been taught in Bible Institute but once I started studying the words in both Biblical Greek and Biblical English the Spirit illuminated my understanding.
One of the many keys to a proper understanding of scripture is to have a firm grasp of how the Biblical words are used in context and to properly identify how they are applied in scripture. As we go through the study on the third chapter of John I will offer short, concise definitions to help us rightly divide the word of God.
My earnest prayer is that the Holy Spirit of God will illuminate your mind and give you a clear understanding, to rid you of any false doctrinal premise and allow you to gain a deeper insight in the will, the way and the Word of God.
Many hold to a premise because they were taught a system of theology and often times will hear things that don’t fit with what they’ve heard.
It’s very important for our study in John 3 to define the word KINGDOM
A kingdom (basileia) is a form of government composed of subjects, laws, ethics, dominion (the right to rule), scepter, king & purpose. The type of government & its laws are contained in a ruling document. (KJB)
The same laws practiced now in a NT assembly will be implemented during Christ Messianic reign (Rev. 20:6, Mt.24:35, PS. 119:89). There needs to be a people prepared in knowledge & practice to rule with Christ when He returns.
PREPARATION is done within a NT church which is the VISIBLE EXPRESSION of God’s kingdom with the commandments of God & two ordinances being visibly & Biblically observed.
The NT church is a MICROCOSM of the KOG & an aggregate of EMBASSIES that are collectively Jesus Christ kingdom (Lk. 22:29-30)
For example as a baby Christian I was taught that the KOG is “the realm of salvation” in which “God is working in the hearts of men on earth.”
This fits perfectly with a universal church doctrine and makes the KOG something mystical and invisible. This causes confusion when we find actual scriptural words that contradict this manmade theology.
For example by accepting this premise in which the KOG is the realm of salvation how does it fit when examine John 3:3 reads like this:
Jn.3:3 “Except a man be born again he cannot see the KOG.”
If we were to insert the fundamentalist definition it would literally mean:
EXCEPT a man be saved he cannot see salvation. No doubt it is tautological, sounds absurd and in plain ENGLISH; REDUNDANT!
The false premise of the KOG being only about salvation is eisegesis. It’s reading something into scripture that is not there!
Proper exegesis is to allow the scripture to define scripture. And this means we are to consider the audience it is written to, the context and the proper Biblical definitions of each word in the time frame in which they were written.
The false doctrine of the KOG being a mystical entity hidden in our hearts for the past 2000 years fits perfectly with their heresy concerning being spiritually baptized into a universal, mystical invisible church in which every member is in the bride of Christ. SORRY folks but Jesus does not marry the entire family!
To prove their point numerous Fundamental Baptist and their Protestant brethren point to Luke 17:21 “Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.”
Within: Used as a functional preposition (ἐντός) = in the midst of you, among you, all around you. It is only when it’s used as an adverb or noun, it means inside you which is NOT the CASE here.
CONTEXT: in Luke 17:21 WHO’s the AUDIENCE? Jesus is having a conversation with unsaved, unregenerate Pharisees, men who oppose Jesus Christ as their Messiah & Saviour. The very ACCUSERS of Jesus Christ the same folks who demanded his crucifixion!
Christ certainly would not be telling these unsaved men that the KOG is INSIDE of them! THE KOG is not INSIDE of me either – I serve in the Lord’s kingdom in preparation for his return with the hope to be found worthy!
The majority of Christendom is taught systems of theology that is contrary to scripture. Many hold the pastor as the ultimate authority, don’t question what they’ve heard (similar to my history) and go through life totally blind to the false doctrine of a mystical invisible kingdom universal church Spirit baptism, with a false view on the KOG, baptismal regeneration and a whole litany of other false doctrines!
Unaware they have adopted historical heresy
It is a RCC/Protestant doctrine started by the gnostic heretic Clement of Alexandria (150-215) adopted by RCC Bishop Cyprian of Carthage (210-258) and then popularized through the teaching of Augustine of Hippo (354-430).
It was the RCC PRIEST Augustine writings (City of God) a great influence on the reformers (former ex-communicated priests Luther, Calvin, Zwingli) they in turn SPREAD the doctrine in their churches to countless unsuspecting, gullible folks throughout the course of history.
One thing to keep in mind; Spiritual does not mean invisible! I want to get that out of the way right now!
If you have repented and trusted Christ as your Lord and Saviour the Holy Spirit of God is now inside you leading & guiding you into all truth and righteousness and as a Spirit led child of God – YOU ARE VERY VISIBLE!
And so is the meeting house where all the living saints of God as a SCRIPTURAL NT LOCAL assembly GATHER each week:
And when we assemble the very presence and power of the Holy Ghost:
· fills this house, moves among us,
· ILLUMINATES our hearts and mind,
· drawing us, wooing us, convicting us,
· EDIFYING us, STRENGTHENING us and
· knitting us together as one unified body!
And while I’m here and before I go on to teach on the KOG I want to make this important distinction; by defining the word CHURCH.
Jesus coined the Greek term ekklesia for the first time in:
Mt.16:18 “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter (Petros), and upon this rock (Petra) I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Jesus) “Upon THIS” NOT “THEE” which would not mean Peter but ON Christ.
That is an important distinction! THEE is a 2nd person personal pronoun in the objective case and had that word been employed it would make Peter the object of the verb BUILD! BUT that’s not the case! JESUS BUILT HIS CHURCH.
The mother of all churches began during Christ ministry and the first members were the handpicked Apostles of which 120 were added before his crucifixion. (Acts 1:15) BEFORE PENTECOST!
Church/ekklesia is the Biblical Greek word commonly used by Greek speaking folks within Greek city/states to mean a gathering of citizens called out from their homes into some public place; called out LOCAL ASSEMBLY.
There are several synecdoche’s used in an institutional sense where a singular stands in place of a plural such as: 1 Peter 4:17 “judgment must begin at the house of God.”
The house of God is the church notice the singular standing in place of the thousands of churches that gather throughout the world. Scripture does not say HOUSES of GOD.
This is the institutional sense of the word, a synecdoche in which a singular stands in place of a PLURAL.
The other 100 + times the word church is employed in scripture the definition is for a local called out assembly. It is never a UNIVERSAL called out assembly.
It’s vitally important for us to understand Biblical definitions. Now that we SKINNED that rabbit let’s Go Back to KOG.
Mystery of the KOG is Available if you seek it
Mt.6:33 “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (JESUS)
But many folks are confused, misled or totally ignorant of Scripture
Mark 4:11 “And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:”
The KOG IS a mystery to those who are without, whether saved folks or lost.
Yes, there are countless saved folks similar to what I experienced that hold to an unquestioned, uncontested premise and are Spiritually blind to many of the deep truths of God’s word!
· Yet just as saved as any mature Christian but misled.
But yet, there were publicans and harlots who heard John, repented and entered into the KOG; a NT church embassy whereas many religious folk did not.
So you can see the KOG is not based on a privileged aristocracy but rather open to all who seek after it.
In essence some of the folks described in Mark 4:11 are called the “without.”
“And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:”
Without (exo) – out of place, outside, away from
It doesn’t say whether they are lost or saved but simply they were not among the saints (morally pure) the Lord’s scriptural NT church.
There will be scores of religious theologians and scholars who have invested years of ministry in ERROR, having a degree in false information who will scoff at the idea of the true definition and doctrine of the KOG.
We must understand and make the distinction that once you are truly saved you are automatically in the Family of God but there will be individuals that are “without” who are not members of a scriptural NT church and these individuals will be excluded from serving in Christ’ Millennial government.
When we are at the Judgment Seat of Christ our rewards are NOT about possession’s BUT POSITION. Who is and who isn’t qualified to serve in the KOG.
Daniel 7: 27 “And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.”
READ 1 Cor. 3:8-15
Now do you understand the need to belong to a SCRIPTURAL NT church?
If you are saved you must seek the KOG in order to comprehend it
Luke 12:31 “But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
Matthew 6:33 “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
Too many people accept the doctrinal traditions of their church or their denomination without validating the accuracy of the teaching.
Large numbers of folks will gloss over words that do not fit their PREMISE or what they’ve been taught. By their own actions they WILLFULLY become blind to the facts of Scripture and because of their own ignorance are excluded from the KOG. Not understanding that what we do, WITH, in and THROUGH the power of Christ is of eternal value.
“The power of a premise is very strong and you ignore all scripture that does not fit your premise.” Brother Mac Woody
Multitudes have been taught and hold to the premise of a mystical, invisible kingdom with a mystical, invisible universal church and that all believers are Spirit baptized into.
First, nowhere in Scripture do we see the Holy Spirit administering baptism – Christ is the Administrator.
1 Cor.12:5 “And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.”
2) No place in scripture is Spirit Baptism equated with the indwelling of the Spirit.
3) We see no experience of Spirit baptism occurring simultaneous with justification, but subsequent NOT only to justification but also to water baptism.
4) Nowhere is this revealed as an ongoing experience. We see the outpouring in Isa 44:3/Joel 2:28-30 the same as the gospel predictions/Christ's prophecy.
All fulfilled in the Book of Acts when the coming of the Holy Spirit is sent or poured out by Christ.
All references to baptism of the Holy Ghost are in the Gospels and the book of Acts; nothing beyond Acts! SPIRIT BAPTISM is FOREIGN to Pauline corpus.
NO VERSE in Paul’s epistles employ the word baptism in connection w/ the work of the Spirit as prophesied by Christ in Acts 1:8 and employed in:
Acts 2:4 “And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” (Jerusalem)
Acts 8:17 “Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.” (SAMARIA)
Acts10:46 “And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.” (GENTILES)
Acts19:6 “And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.” (OUTERMOST PARTS)
NOW do you understand the importance of spending time studying God’s Word and belonging to a scriptural NT church?
And before I begin to preach on the third chapter of John I want to REPEAT the definition of “kingdom” (basileia) as I have already demonstrated it is one of the most misunderstood words in the Bible.
DEFINITION of KOG A kingdom (basileia) is a form of government composed of subjects, laws, ethics, dominion (the right to rule), scepter, king & purpose. The type of government & its laws are contained in a ruling document. (KJB)
The same laws practiced now in a NT assembly will be implemented during Christ Messianic reign (Rev. 20:6, Mt.24:35, PS. 119:89). There needs to be a people prepared in knowledge & practice to rule with Christ when He returns.
PREPARATION is done within a NT church which is the VISIBLE EXPRESSION of God’s kingdom with the commandments of God & two ordinances being VISIBLY & BIBLICALLY observed.
The NT church is a MICROCOSM of the KOG & an aggregate of EMBASSIES that are collectively Jesus Christ kingdom (Lk. 22:29-30)
The word kingdom (basileia) is employed 151 times in the KJB NT
· The LORD preached the KOG through-out the gospels: Mark 1:14-15 and:
· Lk. 8:1 “And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him,”
· Jesus spent 40 days instructing His Apostles about things pertaining to the KOG in Acts 1:3 “To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:”
· Paul preached the KOG: Acts 28:31; Rom.14;17;1 Cor. 4:20, 6:9-10, 15:24, 50; Gal.5:21; Eph.5:5; Col. 1:13, 4:11; 1 Thes. 2:12, 2 Thes. 1:5; 2 Tim 4:1,18; Heb. 1:8, 12:28
· James mentioned the kingdom in James 2:5 “Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?”
· John mentions kingdom in Rev.1:9, 12:10,18, 16:10, 17:12, 17
· Rev.1:9 “I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.”
If you approached the Bible as if you’ve never read it before or have never been taught any SYSTEM of theology developed since the 1st century you would conclude that the KOG is of utmost importance.
The KOG is the antithesis of the devil kingdom:
1 John 3:8 “For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.”
We are in a spiritual war folks between two kingdoms; the Light of the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ vs. the influence of a dark world system under the influence of the Prince of the power of the air. (Eph. 2:2)
THERE was A CERTAIN POINT WHEN the KOG BEGAN
The KOG was taught by the prophets in the OT. Jacob knew the Lord and made a prophecy in:
Genesis 49:10 “The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.”
Since the despised Jeconiah of Jeremiah 22:28-31 there has not been a king in Judah. And now Shiloh (Jesus) has come. He was the only person in the history of the world born a King.
And Daniel in the OT who knew the Lord and interpreted the dream God gave to Nebuchadnezzar regarding the statue representing four kings:
· The head of gold representing the kingdom of Babylon,
· The SILVER breast & arms = Medo-Persia,
· The thighs of BRASS = Greece and the legs of iron and feet mixed with iron & clay as the ROMAN empire.
Daniel spoke of the LAST KINGDOM, the Roman Empire when he said:
Daniel 2:44 “And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.”
And if you understand Daniel you would know “the days of these kings” would be in the time frame of the Roman Empire, the 4th kingdom in Daniels dream.
So this kingdom HAD to begin in the time specified. The salvation of the Lord goes BACK to the book of GENESIS but we see the KOG had a POINT in TIME when it would be SET UP.
Rev.19:10b “for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”
Mark 1:1-5 “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God; As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.”
John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized (baptizo – full immersion) of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.”
The Greek term for “PREPARE” (kataskeuazo) is the normal term in the Greek Language used for the preparation of the bride FOR the bridegroom.
That is why the term “prepare” is used in this passage because immersion is a public vow of the bride to groom & a public testimony expressing their faith in the gospel and their commitment to be faithful to the Lord.
Consider this: Some of these folks are the publicans and harlots whom the Lord said they entered into the KOG. They came in repentance for salvation. They were saved before they were baptized.
But the KOG that these newly saved people entered into is not salvation! The KOG is what the Lord would set up during His earthly ministry at a point in time.
Mark 1:1 “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God;” NOTICE this is the beginning of the gospel; not the beginning of salvation.
Hebrews Chapter 11 is the Hall of faith and includes many OT saints that knew the Lord.
The gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God is the GOSPEL of the kingdom which He preached throughout their villages and synagogues.
The same gospel the apostles/disciples preached throughout the Roman Empire.
Mt. 24:14 “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.”
World (oikoumene) Biblical Greek word used specifically TO MEAN the Roman Empire.
Many Christians are confused thinking that “WORLD” in this verse means the entire globe. That is not the proper definition in this particular verse or the Holy Spirit would have used the word KOSMOS in which case it would have meant the entire 3rd Rock from the sun.
Not understanding definitions leads to confusion; they question Christ’ return because indigenous tribes and remote islands have yet to hear the gospel. Thus they insert their end times futurist theology to be extended until every person on the planet hears the gospel message before Christ can possibly return.
The great commission of Matthew 28:19-20 is the gospel of the KOG.
Mt. 28:19-20 “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
This is a charge from Christ to His 1st church and every church in perpetuity giving the stamp of authority & commission to make disciples & baptize.
· “Go ye” (poreuomai) is a military term = “march an army”
· TEACH (matheteuo) = MAKE DISCIPLES in all nations, reproduce after your kind someone who embraces the same doctrine & of like faith & practice (Lk. 14:27-32; Eph. 4:11-16).
· Nations (ethnos) – implying an ethnicity whether Jew or Gentile
· OBSERVE (TEREO) – present tense – guard & watch over, be very attentive
· I AM – (ego eimi) – prophetic present tense = a promise.
· YE & YOU – Biblical English plural pronouns are all future daughter NT churches in perpetuity as promised in Mt. 16:18, Eph. 3:21, I Cor. 11:26.
Therefore, the New Testament church was appointed to be the executor of the kingdom. The sole duty of an executor is to CARRY OUT the WILL of the one who appointed it. The executor does NOT CREATE a WILL. They can only carry it out.
The executor is appointed to carry out the laws and ordinances PLACED in their TRUST and SAFEGUARD. The church was NOT APPOINTED to codify (change) its own doctrines.
It is to ADHERE faithfully to that which we received in the word of God. A scriptural NT church is never legislative, at the death of the testator we cannot change Christs’ will
Luke 22:20 “And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me;”
And all scriptural NT churches are to operate according to the laws and ordinances of its Founder, the Lord Jesus Christ.
It was commissioned to replicate itself with the promise of the Lord Jesus Christ unto the end of the world (kosmos).
The Lord’s church is commissioned to preach and teach the full gospel, baptize and instruct members regarding kingdom laws and ordinances as demonstrated when Paul and Barnabas were Ordained & sent out in Acts 13:1-4.
All of these things are for the purpose and expectation of the coming King who will physically rule on this earth. When the KOG is in its fullness.
Therefore, the kingdom He set up during His earthly ministry is an occupation we are to CARRY on the business of the King, all scriptural NT churches in full preparation mode; preparing fit subjects to rule and reign with him; Rev. 3:21) as we await the arrival of our sovereign LORD JESUS CHRIST. (Revelation 19)
This present and coming aspect of the Kingdom of God has been a defining matter of the NT church within overall Christendom. Our ancient forbears were keen in their understanding of this as is born out in ancient record.
This lies at the root of deeply held convictions that led them to rather be burnt at the stake than to recant their baptism. This is not to say that their RCC and Protestant DETRACTORS did not believe in a kingdom of their own.
The Protestant reformers of Catholicism like their mother church the RCC established Christian governments that were wed to their state “church” system. By self-appointment, they undertook the institution of a Christianized SOCIETY that would bring about 1000 years of peace. AMIL & POST MILLENNIALISM
Thus, the Protestant “church”/government/society was to reign in proxy for the Lord. This state “church” kingdom was therefore considered synonymously with salvation. Children are required to be “baptized” into it & as citizens would eventually be taxed to support both the government and its “church.”
Naturally, the reformers had great antipathy for those commonly called Baptists. The Baptists did not recognize the religious organization of the reformers as having any authority in things dealing with the Kingdom of God.
The executorship of the kingdom was appointed to the Lord’s church. Not to man-made organizations.
Lk. 22:29-30 “And I appoint (PRESENT TENSE) unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me; 30 That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, (PRESENT TENSE) and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” (AORIST TENSE = effective successful action w/o regards to time). (Jesus) We await that time and are fully persuaded it is drawing nigh!
It was not for the unscriptural Catholic system that came well over 300 years later, NOR to its Protestant reformers of October 31, 1517.
A Biblical NT church has everything to do with Scriptural legitimacy. This is why our FOREFATHERS earned the name of ‘rebaptizers’ (Anabaptists).
The RCC/Protestant version of baptismal regeneration is either mystically or literally (as it is still today). For the Anabaptists (Baptists) it was not. WE NEVER recognized either the RCC or the Protestant daughters corrupted form of baptism.
Salvation is by grace regardless of baptism and Scriptural baptism is where the regenerated soul enters into the Lord’s New Testament Church. A believer’s baptism is by full wet water IMMERSION. Every form of the root word BAPTO means complete immersion, to be overwhelmed.
Today, we still have the exact same issues.Most Protestants (and neo-Baptists of Protestant doctrine, BINO’s) believe in a mystical, baptism of salvation, twisting scripture and changing words to fit their doctrine; particularly 1 Corinthians 12. Their immersion is a picture of that “one true” baptism of regeneration which is not another. Any baptism that is unto another baptism (no matter the legitimate name it claims) is NOT the ORDINANCE that Christ gave His church.
It was important to define a few words and set the table so we can move forward in studying the third chapter of John. John 3 is a very key chapter in the NT and very important for us to fully comprehend. Our study begins next Sunday.
Thomas E. Kresal, PASTOR “Beef River Baptist Church, Beef River Baptist Church Strum, WI by permission
|
|
THOMAS E KRESAL to Roger 04/22/23
Greetings Brother Fulk: This is a short definition of the KOG. One of the key words in the bible that is confusing to neo-Christianity. I use this definition to make Bible bookmarks. " (Great idea!)"
Hope and trust you and your wife are in good health. Brother Kresal
A kingdom (basileia) is a form of government composed of subjects, laws, ethics, dominion (the right to rule), king & purpose. The type of government and its laws are contained in a ruling document. (KJB) The same laws practiced now in a NT assembly will be implemented during Christ Messianic reign (Rev.20:6, Mt.24:35, PS. 119:89). There needs to be a people prepared in knowledge & practice to rule with Christ when He returns. Preparation is done within a NT church which is the VISIBLE EXPRESSION of God’s kingdom with the commandments of God & two ordinances being visibly & Biblically observed. The NT church is a microcosm of the KOG and an aggregate of embassies that are collectively Jesus Christ's kingdom. (Luke. 22:29-30)
|
|
"It would be easier to teach a disciple that knows nothing of the truth than teach one who was taught falsehood."
The kingdom of God; A kingdom is made of the following;
1. Subjects
2. Dominion
3. Laws
4. Ordinances
5. King
6. Scepter
7. Power
According to Daniel, a kingdom would be set up
during the days of the Roman Empire.
Dan 2:44 And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.
This kingdom began to be set up at this time and it contained the above 6 components. This was the gospel of the kingdom.
Mat 4:23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.
Mat 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come
This kingdom demonstrated its power and the Lord of this kingdom. The subjects of this kingdom then were the disciples, I.e the early church that Christ established during his ministry
Mat 12:28 But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.
The Church visible:
The church is constituted of individuals who through repentance and faith were baptized unto Christ as the Jews were unto Moses in the wilderness.
1Co 10:1 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;
1Co 10:2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;
Christ is the cornerstone and foundation of the church along with the apostles.
Eph 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ
himself being the chief corner stone;
Eph 2:21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
Eph 2:22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
Christ the apostle and corner stone.
Heb 3:1 Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;
1Co 12:28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
When the Lord completed his ministry, he appointed the kingdom unto the church in the upper room when he established the Lords supper.
Luk 22:29 And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me;
These laws, ordinances, power was now appointed unto the visible church to be as an embassy and executors of his testament and to teach these things.
Authority is in the delegation of a testament as in any last will and testament.
Now the church consisting of people that have met the qualifications to be a scriptural church member are now given a purpose of the appointment of the kingdom.
The church and kingdom are different but synonymous. They are joined together.
The bride of Christ consist of this church/kingdom. This does not include all the redeemed but it consist of scriptural visible churches.
There is a bride. There is a bridegroom. There is the friend
of the bridegroom (best man, John the Baptist).
Joh 3:25-29 Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying. (26) And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him. (27) John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. (28) Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. (29) He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled
When we understand how two people can become one,
this is the great mystery Paul speaks of in Ephesians 5.
Eph 5:31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.
Eph 5:32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
The physical body consists of members as arms, feet, hands, fingers etc. however the head is not part of the body. The head is over the body to give nourishment.
Likewise, there is a body on earth joined together (through)
baptism and Christ is the head as in marriage.
Col 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
From this union, when two come together, they become one flesh (a child) for this reason there is a bride to brings forth bringing forth children I.e. other scriptural churches. From this we understand succession having the same doctrinal DNA and authority.
|
|
ADDITIONAL LEARNING/TEACHING RESOURCES
WILL BE ADDED AS WE MOVE FORWARD
A WARNING - WOLF WATCH MINISTRY
W1036 (W1015) - 02112023 - QUESTIONS/ANSWERS - WHAT ARE THE SUBJECTS THAT CAUSE MOST OF THE CONFUSION? - PRAY FOR DISCERNMENT - Hard Lessons in Discernment - https://conta.cc/3jQrYRL
W1034 - 01282023 - The Heart of New Evangelicalism - THE STATE IS RAISING THE CHILDREN - THE SEXUAL BEHAVIOR OF WOMEN IS...??? - https://conta.cc/40bu1QB
|
|
- April 11, 2023
I see a number of posts which make statements about what the Bible says. It's important to cite chapter and verse when we make statements or ask questions.
The Bible has verses which suggest that salvation cannot be lost and verses suggesting that salvation can be lost. It has verses suggesting that works are needed for salvation and verses suggesting that no works are required.
The Bible tells how to resolve such seeming contradictions:
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. II Timothy 2:15
“Rightly dividing” means considering the context in which a passage is found and determining the hearers to whom the Holy Spirit directed it.
Just as teaching "calculus" and "arithmetic" at the same time would be confusing, we must "rightly divide" the word of God to separate Biblical teachings which do not belong together. To avoid confusion, we must identify the intended audience. There are three distinct groups of hearers: Jews, Gentiles, and the Church.
We must also consider context, that is, the surrounding passages. Consider a glass which could hold 2 cups of water but has only 1. Is it half full or half empty? If you start filling and get to the 1-cup mark, it’s half full because you asked the question in the context of filling it. If you finish filling and drink down to the 1-cup level, it’s now half empty because the context is emptying it.
All scripture is profitable (2 Tim. 3:16), but knowing the audience and context are vital to determine what a passage means to us.
That’s why it’s important to know which verses you’re considering in asking a question or making a statement.
One man cannot change the world, but he CAN communicate a message that will change the world.
|
|
Mar 14, 2023
Rev. 19:9 teaches that the church is the bride of Christ. John the Baptist’s mission to the Jews is the same mission a pastor has to his church. When John heard that Jesus’ disciples were baptizing and that “all men come to him (Jn. 3:26),” John could have been jealous, but he humbly explained the role God had given him:
Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. 29 He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy, therefore, is fulfilled. 30He must increase, but I must decrease. John 3:28-30
John said that God had sent him before the Christ to proclaim His coming. The church is the bride and Jesus Christ is the bridegroom in the “marriage supper of the Lamb (Rev. 19:9).” John couldn’t preach our Gospel of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection because it hadn’t happened yet. In preaching the Gospel of Repentance, John proclaimed the Messiah. Had the Jews accepted Christ as Messiah, they would have been married to Him as Christians are today (Ro. 7:4). As the friend of the Bridegroom, John heard “the bridegroom's voice (Jn. 3:29)” which filled him with joy.
As Abraham and Moses were friends of God (Ex. 33:11, 2 Chr. 20:7, Is. 41:8), pastors are called by God to be friends of the Bridegroom. As Christ’s friend, you rejoice as Christ speaks to you and to your people through your messages, Bible reading, and prayer. Christ must increase in us and we must crucify the flesh in our lives (Eph. 4:22, Col. 3:9). Growth in Christ from hearing the Bridegroom continues the “good work” that begins when we accept the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior and continues “until the day of Jesus Christ (Phil. 1:6).”
This is how we “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you (Jam. 4:8).” We make the first move in asking Him to increase so that we can decrease. Increasing Him helps us enjoy the Fruit of the Spirit:
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. Galatians 5:22-24
Christ increases in us as we crucify the flesh. All our relationships: marriage, church, and work, get better as we grow in love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance.
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
|
|
|
Biblical Separation
What considerations are there for the Christian abstaining from worldly thinking and philosophy? Find some answers for Biblical separation and how to become more like Christ in this Bible message.
|
|
·
WHAT YOU REALLY "SUPPORT"
James L. Melton
Early in my Christian walk it dawned on me that God expects me to use my brain as well as my heart. He expects me to think things through and "prove all things" instead of signing on to every "tell it like it is" opinion that sails across the Internet. One such opinion is the notion that you "support" everything that a business supports, if you spend any money at that business. Once that premise has been successfully peddled, you will then hear other "enlightening" truths, such as "You'll give account to God for shopping Wal-Mart and supporting Chinese communists!" Then, some would even go so far as to proclaim things like, "If you still shop Amazon or Wal-Mart, you'd better be checking up on your salvation."
Apparently, it's not enough that you work and earn your own money. It's not even enough that you spend it on the right things. Nor is it enough that you spend it at the right places. No, you must also make it a habit to regularly monitor all your retail outlets to ensure that they aren't spending any money on Chinese products, Planned Parenthood, Democrat candidates, communist front groups like Black Lives Matter, etc. If they do, then you are "supporting" evil causes and you are not a good steward with what God has entrusted to you. That's exactly how many people "think," just enough to run themselves into the ditch, but not enough to get themselves out.
There's certainly nothing wrong with shopping wholesome companies and buying American made products, and I make an effort to do so myself. I also make an effort to shop small local businesses when possible. But I'm not going to burden people with the silly notion that they've sinned against God, if they spend money at Wal-Mart or Amazon. Sure, there are often better places to shop, but you are not "supporting" communism just because you spent eighty bucks on groceries at Wal-Mart. Maybe you are not patronizing the best business, but maybe you didn't have a choice this week, maybe you ran out of time and couldn't get to the better option, maybe you buy groceries only at Wal-Mart and not the China stuff. Whatever the case, you are responsible for how YOU spend YOUR money, not for how Wal-Mart or Amazon spends theirs. If you bought food and necessities instead of beer, cigarettes and lottery tickets, then relax. If the retailer took that money and spent some of it on Sodomite causes or Planned Parenthood, that's THEIR problem and they will give account. If you'd rather not shop there anymore, that's fine, but don't start a crusade giving the rest of us a guilt trip. After all, anyone of us could follow you around and further investigate the places that you DO shop and find many problems. Does your gas station also sell beer and lottery tickets? Did your coffee shop owner vote for Biden? Does the owner of your favorite restaurant tithe and support missions? Then why not patronize one that does? Why do you shop Rural King when they play worldly country music? You see, it never ends!
My advice is to spend your money as responsibly as you know how and let others do the same. When talking about such matters, always downplay it and state that it's a personal preference that you don't push on others. Trying to push your views on others will only work until you run into someone with sound thinking ability. Then you just might see how shallow and inconsistent your argument really is. This whole thing is a can of worms. Don't open it. Live and let live.
|
|
A recent conversation with a pastor friend. 07/16/21updated 4/25/22
I said, “The biggest problem I yet have is the fact that most of the time, I can’t find over one Baptist, especially pastors, in a room at the same time who has learned how to use proper Biblical interpretation, and agree with much of anything!
I am trying to find out what appropriate Bible interpretation methods are, and no one seems to teach me! Sorry to go off on everyone… but I would like to learn! I even have a group named “Warnings about Unbiblical Interpretations USING MODERN VERSIONS!”.
Very few people seem to realize that everyone can’t have a different opinion and all be right, but many of them want to continue to argue and fight about it. Prophecy is the biggest joke with proper Bible interpretation, and I warn people about that too! My pastor friend said, “Your observations are true- you have ten Baptists in a room and get 25 different opinions….. As for prophecy, wrong Eschatology is the common thread among all the false religion - it affects more than what most think.”
|
|
|
|
Does the what-does-this-verse-mean-to-you approach to Scripture interpretation work?
Roger Fulk, "Here is a
good answer from a source that I use sometimes."
“The what-does-this-verse-mean-to-you approach to Scripture interpretation is bad enough in small groups and private devotions. But it’s catastrophic in pulpits, books and “Christian” TV. Yet misused scripture and the bad theology that results is being fed to much of the American church today”
Brannon Howse, “Twisted Scripture, Twisted Theology” … Untwisting the Most Common Distorted Scriptures that Lead to Bad Theology and an Unbiblical Worldview.
|
|
Jeffery M. Mallory
to Independent King James Bible Dispensational Premillennial Baptists used by permission …. Yesterday at 10:54 AM · Dear fellow Christian: Theologically speaking, you need to avoid getting into debates as much as possible because debates here are a indication that someone has been given over by God to a reprobate mind (Romans 1:24, 29;
|
|
“How to Recognize the Truth”
” … If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples
indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make
you free.” John 8:31b, 32
Truth is of God. Anything that is not the truth is not of
God. That which is contrary to the truth is a lie. Many today
are hung up on the beliefs and teachings of men. Philosophy,
psychology, sociology, and even theology that is contrary to
the truth of God’s Word is a lie. All of these may be usable
studies if they are consistent to the truth of God’s Word. The
Bible is the greatest Book on life and living and man (his
beliefs, mind, social interaction, etc.)
Therefore, truth is always contrary to that which is false.
A false impression is a lie because it is not truth. A false
accusation is false because it isn’t true. A false assumption is
false because it assumes truth to be false, and false to be true.
A lie is a lie, always, because it is false.
Truth is that which is both consistent and absolute. It is
truth established by God. The laws of nature are true because
God created nature and all on this earth. The Word of God is
true! Anything contrary to the Word of God is wrong and
sinful. The laws of science and math are true because God
created them. Truth does not change! People, governments,
and churches change-but truth never does! -M.D.
Prepared by Roger Fulk, from excerpts from the “Baptist Bread” March 31, 2023, devotional by author MURRAY DOUGLAS, Pastor, Ludlow Hill Baptist Church, Lawrenceburg, IN. With permission from Tim Green, editor of Baptist Bread.
|
|
“The Liar’s Philosophy”
“Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor: for we are members one of another ” Ephesians 4:25
There is a philosophy or a phenomenon in this modern age. If you want to escape a commitment or shirk a responsibility, just get someone to create a lie for you, send it to the person you want to deceive, and even fill in background noises to create a sense of legitimacy! Perhaps just another internet scam.
G. Campbell Morgan (1863-1945) once identified the main sins of preacher s: pride, jealousy and lying. It is sad that God’s people often have mastered the satanic art of lying.
In my fifty-plus years of preaching I have seen pride, jealousy, and lying used as tools of self-promotion and self-aggrandizement. Jesus is “The Truth;” God the Father is called “The God of All Truth;” the Holy Spirit is called “The Spirit of Truth;” and God’s Word is called, “The Truth.” How, then, can those of us who claim to be His, use His name to err, lie and be deceitful, using these devilish tools to supposedly carry out a ministry based upon TRUTH?
Instead of learning to lie, you and I ought to go to the truth and allow God to deal with our sins of pride, jealousy, lying and deceit. Put away lying and speak the truth! Among seven other types of despicable individuals, the Bible says, “…all liars shall have their part in the lake of fire that burneth with fire brimstone: which is the second death” (Rev. 21:8). — G.G.
Prepared by Roger Fulk, from the “Baptist Bread”, October 11, 2021, by author Dr. Guy Goodell, Pastor, Bible Baptist Church, Hudson Falls, NY. With permission from Tim Green, editor Baptist Bread.
|
|
|
POSTED IN
One of the most frightening doctrines taught in the Bible is about the place called Hell. Many go to great lengths to belittle and scoff at it. Some curse it. Many deny it. However, it is mentioned 54 times in the Bible and referred to in many other places.
Perhaps, if people convince themselves and others that Hell does not exist, their scoffing will alleviate their guilt from their sins. Their ridiculing the horrible place of torment may even help convince them that Hell does not exist and that they do not have to fear going there.
One’s opinion, however, does not negate facts. There is a place called Hell, and unfortunately, many will go there (Mat.7:13-14).
Here are some facts about Hell according to the King James Bible:
Hell is down:
“Hell from beneath is moved for thee to meet thee at thy coming: it stirreth up the dead for thee, even all the chief ones of the earth; it hath raised up from their thrones all the kings of the nations.” Isaiah 14:9
“They also went down into hell with him unto them that be slain with the sword; and they that were his arm, that dwelt under his shadow in the midst of the heathen.” Ezekiel 31:17 Also: Ez. 31:16, Ez. 32:21, Isaiah 14:15.
Hell is for the wicked:
“The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.” Psalm 9:17
“Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?” Matthew 23:33 Also: Matthew. 5:22.
Hell is a place of sorrows:
“The sorrows of hell compassed me about: the snares of death prevented me.” Psalm 18:5
“The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow.” Psalm 116:3
Hell is a place of pain:
“And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.” Luke 16:24-25 Also: Luke 16:28.
“And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh.” Isaiah 66:24
“Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.” Mark 9:44 Also: Mark 9:46, 48.
Hell is a place where the souls of many of the dead go:
“But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell.” Proverbs 9:18 Life isn’t over when our flesh stops breathing.
Hell has levels:
“For a fire is kindled in mine anger, and shall burn unto the lowest hell, and shall consume the earth with her increase, and set on fire the foundations of the mountains.” Deuteronomy 32:22 Also: Psalm 86:13.
Before Christ died, the center of the Earth was different than it is today. There were three sections in it, as revealed in Luke 16:19-31.
In the verses in Luke 16, readers see the destination of two Old Testament people. One was Lazarus, who was a poor beggar, but a godly saint. When he died, his soul went to a compartment in the Earth called “Abraham’s bosom.”
“And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;” Luke 16:22
When the rich man died, he went to Hell (“hades”). There, the man’s soul suffered torments (Luke 16:23-25, 28).
“And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.” Luke 16:23
Although separated by an impassable chasm (“a great gulf fixed” — Luke 16:26), the once wealthy man could look up where he recognized Lazarus. There he saw that the man who once had a hard, deprived (“evil”) life was now “comforted.” The man suffering in Hell saw one thing Lazarus had that he longed for — water.
“And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.” Luke 16:26
This account in Luke 16 is important as it shows that the unrighteous, Old Testament dead went to a tormenting Hell. The righteous saints of that time went to a place that was not tormenting but comforting.
After Jesus “died,” he led the godly Old Testament saints out of Abraham’s Bosom. Where the Saviour went was not a tormenting place, but a “comforting” one.
The Old Testament saints were “captive” in “Abraham’s bosom,” perhaps, until the perfect blood atonement was made to cover their sins. Jesus’ blood was that sacrifice, freeing them to go to Heaven with Him.
“Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.” Ephesians 4:8 Also: Ps. 68:18.
“Because thou wilt not leave my soul [David] in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.” Acts 2:27 Also: Acts 2:31. If I understand correctly, Abraham’s bosom was also referred to as “hell,” although it was not the tormenting place.
“He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.” Act 2:31
Hell is growing. Unfortunately, it is expanding as souls are still filling that horrible place.
“Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.” Proverbs. 27:20
“Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it.” Isaiah 5:14
Hell is not for those trusting Christ as their Saviour.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish [“to destroy fully”], but have everlasting life.” John 3:16
“Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3
Hell is a temporary place, but then it gets worse:
“And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.” Revelation 20:13 — All those in Hell will be released, judged, and sentenced to eternal punishment in the Lake of Fire. After Hell, one goes to the Lake of Fire – FOREVER!
“And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.” Revelation 20:14
Hell certainly is a horrible place. No one should want to go there. The only way to avoid that tormenting place is to be saved.
Are you positive you will not go to Hell when it is your time to leave this world? Be sure! Do not gamble or guess with your eternal soul.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” John 3:16-17
“Smoking or non-smoking? The choice of your eternity is up to you!” — author Unknown
The devil is real and is a threat to saved and to unsaved people alike. Not everyone is a spiritual threat to Satan and his earthly domain, but he is still the enemy to all people.
Sometimes it is not Satan that is intervening in one’s life but the devils, Satan’s imps, that also attempt to hamper the works of God and Earth’s people. However, most of the time we get into sin all by ourselves without any intervention from Satan or the “devils.” It is often our own sinful flesh that sins without any supernatural involvement.
There is no Scripture that indicates that Satan can make a saved person lose his salvation and send him to Hell, but the enemy of God and His people can make lives miserable and ruin any testimony one may have for the Lord Jesus Christ. This world is unfortunately full of saved people that fell for the enemy’s tricks and are no longer good Christian examples. Their tarnished testimony leaves a bad taste in many mouths for the cause of Christ because of their lack of resistance to temptations.
Although some would like to blame Satan’s interference for every bad event that happens in their lives, he is not responsible for all the trauma and trials. Here is some of what the Bible tells us about what Satan can and has done to different people, both the righteous and the unrighteous, in the biblical past:
He can take the Word out of hearts and minds, which can keep one from being saved.
“Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.” Luke 8:12
“When anyone heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.” Mat. 13:19
He can blind unbelievers from seeing the truth.
“But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” II Cor. 4:3-4
He can tempt you, as he did God’s only son, Jesus, while He was in the wilderness.
“Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil ….” Mat. 4:1-10
“And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him;” John 13:2
He can be used to test you, with God’s permission, as he did Job.
“And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.” Job 1:12
He can fight against the saved.
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Eph. 6:12
He can tempt us to disobey God.
“And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: 5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.” Gen. 3:4-5 Satan tempted Eve to disobey Gods commandments.
“And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel.” I Chron. 21:1
“Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:” Ephesians 2:2
“But he [Jesus] turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.” Mat. 16:23 Peter was not possessed by Satan. At a spiritually weak point in Peter’s life, Peter was obeying the temptations of Satan rather than the Spirit of God.
He can oppose and hinder God’s people.
“And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him. 2 And the LORD said unto Satan, The LORD rebuke thee, O Satan; even the LORD that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?” Zech. 3:1
“Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.” I Thes. 2:18
He can encourage doubt and tell lies against believers.
“Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? 10 Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. 11 But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.” Job 1:9-11
He can bring about disease, with God’s permission.
“So went Satan forth from the presence of the LORD, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown.” Job 2:7
He, and the “devils,” can be allowed to hurt one’s body.
“And as he was yet a coming, the devil threw him down, and tare him. And Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the child, and delivered him again to his father.” Luke 9:42
“And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?” Luke 13:16
“And when he [Jesus] went forth to land, there met him out of the city a certain man, which had devils long time, and ware no clothes, neither abode in any house, but in the tombs. 28 When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not.” Luke 8:27-28
He will lie.
“Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.” John 8:44
He can cause trials in our lives, destroy lives, and testimonies.
“Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” Rev. 2:10
He can control an unsaved person.
“And, lo, a spirit taketh him, and he suddenly crieth out; and it teareth him that he foameth again, and bruising him hardly departeth from him.” Luke 9:39 All demon possessed people in the Bible were unsaved.
As dangerous and hateful as Satan and the devils are to God’s people, Christians have nothing to fear. If we are saved, and close to Him, we will have God’s protection. The danger, however, is present when we stray out of God’s fellowship by being involved in sin.
Trust Christ as your Saviour. Read His word faithfully, and obey all that God shows you (Eph. 2:2), and He will protect you from sin and the enemy’s wiles.
“My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.” Joh 10:29
“Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” I John 4:4
“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” I John 5:4
|
|
·
JOHN BURGON ON SINAITICUS AND VATICANUS In short, these two codices are old simply because, first, they were written on extremely expensive and durable antelope skins, and secondly, they were so full of errors, alterations, and deletions, that they were never used by true believers and seldom even by their own custodians. Thus they had little chance of wearing away….And be it remembered that the omissions, additions, substitutions, transpositions, and modifications, are by no means the same in both. It is, in fact, easier to find two consecutive verses in which these two mss. differ the one from the other, than two consecutive verses in which they entirely agree."
Here are some factual examples of what the so called "oldest and best manuscripts" Vaticanus and Sinaiticus are really like.
BRANDPLUCKED.WEBS.COM
Another King James Bible Believer
|
|
Acts 19:16 - a Clear Blunder in the so called "Oldest and Best" Manuscripts.
In Acts 19 we are told of SEVEN sons of Sceva, who were vagabond Jews, exorcists, which "took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, WE adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth".
There are two blunders found here in the "oldest and best" texts of both Sinaiticus and Vaticanus, against the majority of all others.
The Majority of all texts, as well as the Syriac Peshitta, read as does the KJB with these seven sons saying "WE adjure you by Jesus". (ορκιζομεν υμας τον ιησουν)
The word "we" is obviously plural, and the evil spirit answers in verse 15 "Jesus I know, and Paul I know, but who are YE?". The word "ye" is plural in all texts answering to the plural "we" of "We adjure thee". Even the Critical texts read “but who are YE?” And it is emphatic (υμεις δε τινες εστε). It’s like saying “But YOU who are YOU?”
However in verse 13 Sinaiticus and Vaticanus along with A, D and P74, have only one individual saying: "I" adjure you by Jesus, (ορκιζω) and so read the NASB, NIV, ESV, NET, Jehovah Witness NWT, Catholic St. Joseph NAB 1970, New Jerusalem bible 1985 and the Holman Standard. Nevertheless, the evil spirit still answers addressing a plural number of persons rather than one individual even in the corrupted Sinaiticus and Vaticanus manuscripts.
The more striking blunder is found in Acts 19:16. There we read: "And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame THEM, (αυτων) and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded." There were seven sons and the spirit leaped on THEM.
The single word "them" (αυτων) is the reading of the majority of all texts. However both Sinaiticus and Vaticanus as well as P74, A an D (all Egyptian texts) tell us that the evil spirit "overcame BOTH (αμφοτερων) and prevailed against them."
The Amplified bible brings out this errant reading and even tries to tell us that it is found "in the best texts". The Amplified reads: "Then the man in whom the evil spirit dwelt leaped upon them, mastering TWO OF THEM, and was so violent against them that they dashed out of that house in fear, stripped naked and wounded." Then in a footnote is says: "The best texts read "both of them."
The word for "both" is amphoteros (αμφοτερων), and always means "both". It is found 14 times in the Greek N.T. and is always translated as “both”. It is used in such statements as “let BOTH grow together” (Mat. 13:30), “BOTH shall fall into the ditch” (Mat. 15:14); “they were BOTH righteous before God” (Luke 1:6), “he frankly forgave them BOTH” (Luke 7:42), “he might reconcile BOTH unto God” and “through him we BOTH have access by one Spirit unto the Father.” (Ephesians 16 and 18) The word "both" can only refer to the number two, not the SEVEN sons of Sceva. In fact, the NASBs from 1963 through 1972 read "and overcame BOTH OF THEM", and so also do The Alford N.T. 1870 (a Critical text version) the Revised Version 1881, ASV 1901, Catholic Douay. The Alford N.T. 1870, following the corrupt Egyptian manuscripts, says:”and overcame them BOTH”. Then he footnotes “So all the ancient MSS. There seem to have been TWO ONLY of the seven engaged in this particular act.”
Not even the RSV, NRSV or ESV followed this bogus reading found in the "oldest and best manuscripts", though they do mention it in their footnotes. The RSV and ESV read "mastered ALL of them", but then footnote: "Or BOTH of them." There is NO Greek text that reads “mastered ALL of them”. They just made this up in an effort to conceal the blatant blunder found in these so called “oldest and best” manuscripts. Even to this day the ever changing Nestle-Aland critical Greek text used in making up most modern versions still reads "overcame BOTH" - (κατακυριευσας αμφοτερων)
Finally, after several years and numerous editions, it apparently occurred to the NASB scholars that there was a clear blunder in their "oldest and most reliable texts", so in 1977 and again in 1995 the NASB changed their versions to read that the evil spirit overcame "ALL OF THEM" instead of "both". The NIV, RSV, NRSV, ESV, Holman Standard and Legacy Standard Bible also say "all of them". But, as I mentioned, the word "all" is not found in any text whatsoever, but the NIV, NASB, RSV, ESV put the extra word in there in an attempt to cover up their textual blunder.
Sinaiticus, Vaticanus and the other Egyptian manuscripts that differ from the Majority all all remaining Greek manuscripts we have plus the ancient Syriac versions, are clearly wrong. The NKJV correctly footnotes that the Nestle and UBS text says "both of them" instead of "overcame them".
Here are some factual examples of what the so called "oldest and best manuscripts" Vaticanus and Sinaiticus are really like.
|
|
The “Big Picture” behind all the Bible memes is CLEARLY explained in WHICH BIBLE WOULD JESUS USE? THE BIBLE VERSION CONTROVERSY EXPLAINED AND RESOLVED. And the companion book:
BIBLE VERSION SECRETS EXPOSED— A collection of over 400 blockbuster editorial memes that present convincing evidence that there are errors of fact, history, geography and, science in modern Bible versions
|
|
Comment by: Bible Theologian & Textual Criticism Scholar: "Will Kinney"
1 Corinthians 10:25 KJB - “Whatsoever is sold in THE SHAMBLES, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake”
Some bible critics mock at some of the “archaic” words found in our beloved King James Bible and tell us we need to update the language and make it more understandable to modern ears. I understand their point of view, but they usually have an agenda that goes far beyond “updating” a few archaic or unfamiliar words in the King James Bible.
Most of these people also tell us that the KJB is based on the wrong Greek and Hebrew texts, and that it is poorly translated in many places and that we need a very different bible version today. Instead of believing that God has actually worked in history to give us a complete and inerrant Bible, they think we need a group of scholars to keep working at it in the hopes that eventually we might eventually end up with some kind of a “ballpark, probably close enough” version of what God might have said.
But as time goes on, we find that they “bible” versions they keep coming up with are getting worse in many ways because they reject many of the Hebrew readings, add to them, and have removed about 3000 words from the Reformation Bible texts, and have created numerous theological errors because of the way they have translated what texts they DO agree on. And fewer and fewer people actually READ these new versions, let alone study them or take them very seriously.
So what is the biblical pattern for what the Bible believer should do when he runs across a word he may not be familiar with? We see it in the book of 1 Samuel chapter nine verses 9 through 11. Here we read:
9 (Beforetime in Israel, when a man went to enquire of God, thus he spake, Come, and let us go to the seer: for he that is now called a Prophet was beforetime called a Seer.)
10 Then said Saul to his servant, Well said; come, let us go. So they went unto the city where the man of God was.
11 And as they went up the hill to the city, they found young maidens going out to draw water, and said unto them, Is the seer here?
Notice that the unfamiliar word “seer” is first defined for us, telling us what the word means. Then, instead of abandoning this unfamiliar word, they continue to use it - “Is the SEER here?”
The modern versions have many words in them that most people do not know what they mean. Take The NKJV, NIV Vocabulary Test and see how you do.
The "Old fashioned language" of the King James Bible
So, what about this perhaps unfamiliar to many word “shambles”? Let’s go ahead and find out what it means, if you don’t know. Actually, those who criticize this word and others like it, already know what the word means. They just prefer to change it, as though others are not smart enough or just too lazy to find out what it means on their own.
SHAMBLES
Webster’s Dictionary 1828 - 1. The place where butcher's meat is sold; a flesh-market.
1.
shambles, (used with a singular or plural verb)
A SLAUGHTERHOUSE.
any place of carnage.
any scene of destruction: to turn cities into shambles.
any scene, place, or thing in disorder: Her desk is a shambles.
2.
British Dialect. A BUTCHER’S SHOP OR STALL.
Collins English Dictionary
shambles
Definitions - noun (functioning as singular or plural)
1. a place of great disorder = the room was a shambles after the party
2. A PLACE WHERE ANIMALS ARE BROUGHT TO BE SLAUGHTERED
3. any place of slaughter or carnage
4. (British dialect) a row of covered stalls or shops where goods, originally meat, are sold
“sold in THE SHAMBLES”
Not only does the King James Bible use the phrase - “whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat” but so do the following Bible translations - the Geneva Bible 1587, the Beza N.T. 1599, The Bill Bible 1671, the Daniel Mace N.T. 1729, Whiston’s N.T. 1745, John Wesley Version 1755, Worsley Version 1770, the Thomas Haweis N.T. 1795, the Clarke N.T. 1795, the Thomson Bible 1808, The Revised Translation 1815, Webster’s Bible 1833, there Dickenson N.T. 1833, the Living Oracles 1835, The Pickering N.T. 1840, the Longman Version 1841, The Morgan N.T. 1848, the Etheridge Translation 1849, The Hewett N.T.1850, The Commonly Received Version 1851, The Boothroyd Bible 1853, The Revised N.T.1862, The Alford New Testament 1870, The Revised Version 1885, Darby’s Version 1890, Douay-Rheims American Edition 1899, the American Standard Version 1901, The Corrected English N.T. 1905, The Clarke N.T. 1913, The Word of Yah 1993, The Tomson New Testament 2002, The Sacred Scriptures Family of Yah 2001, The Evidence Bible 2003 (Ray Comfort), The Revised Geneva Bible 2005, the Bond Slave Version 2009, The Hebraic Transliteration Scripture 2010 - “whatsoever is sold IN THE SHAMBLES”, The Work of God’s Children Illustrated Bible 2011, and The Revised Douay-Rheims Bible 2012 - “whatsoever is sold IN THE SHAMBLES, eat”.
Other translations
Wycliffe Bible 1395 - “seld in the BOCHERIE” (modern spelling - “sold in the BUTCHERY”)
Coverdale 1535, The Great Bible 1540 - “sold in the FLESHMARKET”
Tyndale 1534, Matthew’s Bible 1549, the Bishops’ Bible 1568 - “sold in THE MARKET”
Young’s 1898 - “sold in THE MEAT MARKET”
New Life Version 1969 - “sold in THE STORES”
World English Bible 2000 - “sold in the BUTCHER SHOP”
Conservative Bible 2011 - “sold in THE PUBLIC MARKETPLACE”
The King James Bible reading of “whatsoever is sold IN THE SHAMBLES, eat” is perfectly accurate and not even “archaic”. There are at least 8 different Bible versions from the 21st Century that still use the word.
All of grace, believing the Book - the King James Holy Bible.
Will Kinney
|
|
By David Cloud
“And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:18-19).
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord” (Colossians 3:16).
In Ephesians 5 and Colossians 3, we have the Holy Spirit’s instructions for congregational singing. The pronouns are plural.
This is a description of congregational singing as God intends it.
Here, we see a congregation of spiritual and biblical depth building itself up through the singing of sacred music. We see congregational singing as an essential part of the ministry described in Ephesians 4:14, “From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love” (Eph. 4:16).
This is not a church in which the congregational singing is a mere ritual that is hurried through. It is not a church that sings mindlessly without understanding the purpose of the song service.
It is a church of born again people who are filled with God’s Word and who are singing from the heart to God and to one another, singing with understanding, singing with clear biblical purpose.
Recently, after a congregation had sung “Beulah Land,” I got up to preach and asked how many knew the meaning of “beulah.” Only two people raised their hands. I’ve done this type of thing often in various churches, with similar results.
In the passages in Ephesians 5 and Colossians 3, we have a divinely-inspired educational course for congregational singing. This type of singing does not happen automatically. The entire church must be educated. The passages are addressed to the assembly as a whole. The lessons must first be understood by the church leaders and music people, then the whole congregation must be instructed, from the youngest to the oldest. And the education must be given to each generation. It is a never-ending task. Every church is potentially only one generation away from apostasy.
In these last days, the vast majority of churches have moved far away from the pattern set in Ephesians and Colossians. Spiritual revival is to repent of going astray and to return to God’s Word. “Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works...” (Re. 2:5).
READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE
CLICK HERE >>>
By David Cloud
|
|
By David Cloud
The following is excerpted from “A Plea to Southern Gospel Music Fans” available from Way of Life Literature in print and a free eBook edition, www.wayoflife.org. The book includes links to over 70 video clips.
__________
God instructs His people to sing spiritual songs (Colossians 3:16). Spiritual means holy. It refers to that which is separated unto a holy God from the unholiness of this world.
There are clear biblical principles that are to be applied to every aspect of the Christian life, including music, and by examining these biblical principles we can to discern spiritual from worldly music.
We listed principles of biblical separation in the chapter on rhythm, and the same principles apply to vocal styles, so we will repeat them here.
• Spiritual music is music that is not conformed to the world (Romans 12:2).
• Spiritual music is music that is not according to the realm of spiritual death (Ephesians 2:1).
• Spiritual music is music that is not according to the course of this world (Ephesians 2:2).
• Spiritual music is music that is not according to the desires of the flesh and of the old mind (Ephesians 2:3).
• Spiritual music is music that is not according to the vanity and the darkened understanding of the old mind (Ephesians 4:17-19).
• Spiritual music is music that is unspotted from the world (James 1:27).
• Spiritual music is music that is not in friendship with the world (James 4:4).
• Spiritual music is music that does not pertain to the “former lusts” (1 Peter 1:13-15).
• Spiritual music is music that does not pertain to the lusts of the flesh, the lusts of the eyes, and the pride of life (1 John 2:16).
The world’s pop music has long employed singing techniques that add a strong sensual or fleshly element. It is physical, appealing to the body. It appeals to and stirs up sensual emotions. It is sexual. The world readily acknowledges this, and the world loves these styles because of the sensual, sexual effect.
Christian artists who borrow from the world’s music also borrow the world’s singing techniques. This is true both in the realm of Contemporary Christian Music and Southern Gospel, but it is not wise or godly.
In the past, there were Southern Gospel groups that didn’t use the world’s vocal techniques. They hit the notes cleanly and did not try to distort their voices. An example is the old Chuck Wagon Gang.
READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE
CLICK HERE >>>
By David Cloud
|
|
By David Cloud
________
This is a study of what the Bible itself says about music. It is a study of every major passage that deals with music, with application to the New Testament church and modern times.
Churches need to train the people in music so well that they can test it by biblical standards. They must be able to discern such things as soft rock, honky-tonk, dance rhythms, chords as used in CCM, and worldly vocal styles.
It is not enough to publish a list of unacceptable music. Such lists are helpful, but any list will be obsolete in a short time. Further, no list is exhaustive.
The following principles from Scripture on the music issue are for the ongoing education of the entire church:
- Man was created with the ability to sing, and the chief purpose for this is the worship of God.
- The Bible is filled with references to music.
- The largest book of the Bible is a hymnbook.
- There was singing in the Old Testament temple.
- Christ’s kingdom will be a singing kingdom.
- Christ’s church is to be a singing church.
- Church music must be sung and played by Spirit-filled saints who are indwelt with God’s Word.
- Church music is for singing to one another and unto the Lord.
-
Church music must be sound in doctrine (Col. 3:16).
-
Church music must emphasize “melody” (Eph. 5:19).
- Church music must be sung from the heart.
- Music is not “neutral”; it is a language and the message of the music must match the message of the lyrics.
-
Church music must be holy and separate from the world (Ro. 12:2; Eph. 4:17-19; 5:19; Col. 3:16; Jas. 4:4; 1 Pe. 2:11; 1 Jo. 2:15-16).
- Church music must edify.
- Church music should be joyful.
-
Church music must not borrow from and build bridges to the world of contemporary Christian music (Ro. 16:17-18; 1 Co. 10:21; 15:33; 2 Co. 6:14-18; Eph. 5:11; 2 Ti. 3:5; Re. 18:4).
-
Church music must not be designed to produce a charismatic style mystical experience (1 Peter 5:8).
-
Church music must be skillful (1 Ch. 15:21, 22; Ps. 33:3).
- Church music must be unquestionably right and safe.
-
Church music must guard against incrementalism (1 Co. 5:6; Ga. 5:9).
-
Church music must aim for that which is excellent (Php. 1:10).
- God’s people should aim to learn to sing and play music.
- Pastors must oversee the church’s music.
READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE
CLICK HERE >>>
By David Cloud
|
|
WHEN YOU COME AGAINST THE BIBLE WITH YOUR OPINION - YOU EXPOSE THE REAL NATURE OF YOUR HEART!
|
|
• Mar 4, 2023
Pastor Ron takes a candid look at the Love of GOD. What does the Bible have to say about Gods Love? Is GOD loving to the point of not caring about anything except Love?
Can I SIN and get away with it because God cares only about Loving? Is this truly what the Bible means when it says that GOD IS LOVE?
Pastor Ron explores this topic and teaches the truth about Gods Love.
We are a Baptist Church that believes in the doctrines and teachings of the King James Bible. Gods greatest command is “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” this is done by obedience to His word. The Christian life begins by believing on the Lord Jesus Christ, repenting of your sins, and accepting him as your Lord and Saviour. There is no greater gift than the Salvation Jesus freely gives to all who ask and receive. At Calvary Baptist, our love for Christ points us towards others. We are a family-oriented church with a mission’s mindset.
We follow the teachings of Christ while being mindful of the heritage and foundation that was laid before us.
|
|
“Discernment”
“For the invisible things of him from the creation of the
world are clearly seen, … ” Romans 1:20a
To some, “results” mean baptisms, budgets, buildings,
nickels, noses, notoriety. The Bible tells us that when we are
in the world, we must know who to shun, who to teach, who to
awaken and who to follow. Discernment is the answer.
May we gain an ever-greater skill and accuracy in reading
character in people. May we also detect and identify real
truth. We need to see beneath the surface and correctly “size
up” a situation. Solomon asked the Lord for discernment in I
Kings 3:9, thus, “Give therefore thy servant an understanding
heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and
bad: … “
Discernment is a mark of spiritual maturity, for it gives
one a proper frame of reference. It acts as an umpire in life and
blows the whistle on the spurious. It does not fall for fakes or
flirt with phonies, nor does it dance with deceivers or kiss
counterfeits goodnight! The Apostle John put it this way:
“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether
they are of God: … ” (I John 4:1a).
Here is one of the tactics of survival when facing the “fiery
darts of the wicked one.” Make certain you have cinched on
the belt of truth tightly around yourself. Truth is what helps us
do battle with the enemy. It also strengthens us in our
relationships. May the Lord give us all a big dose of
discernment today. – D.O.
Prepared by Roger Fulk, from the “Baptist Bread” February 27, 2023 devotional by author REV. DON OSSEWAARDE, Dean of Men, Providence Baptist College, Elgin, IL. With permission from Tim Green, editor Baptist Bread. http://timgreenministries.org/the-baptist-bread/
|
|
"At Ease in Our Hearts!"
"Woe to them that are at ease in Zion, ... for we may not
make mention of the name of the LORD." Amos 6: 1a & 10b
Being " ... at ease in Zion ... " instead of being "alarmed
and armed" in Zion is indicative of many churches today and
most Christians in America. God seems to go about
unrecognized today, as He walks the dark hills of our
disappointments. He is refused admittance to the deep
inequities of what our souls delight in; for we find fun and
favor in the frivolity of life, in a vain search for fame and
fortune. Foolishness reigns in our most sacred places instead
of faith. The Lord is as rejected by many, as much perhaps, as
the religious Jews of Jesus' days on earth, despising Him and
denying His deity. We silently whisper in the deep canyons of
our prideful lives, "We will not have this man to reign over
us. " Like the disciples, who saw and enjoyed the bounty of
Christ feeding the 5,000, thus, realizing there is no need too
great for our Lord to fill, we display our disinterest, with
forgetfulness as they did (see Mark 6:52). There is no excuse
or reason to forget the past, when He has met our needs and
will! There is no limit to what He can provide, but we limit
Him by our lack of faith (see John 12:37).
Friends, there is no danger more subtle than familiarity.
We perhaps have become jaded by disappointments or defeats
in the past, and now "just-go-with-the-flow!"
Have we become people to just study and not worship?
May we get back to being awed by His majesty and in love
with Him and His work. - T.G.
Prepared by Roger Fulk, from excerpts from the “Baptist Bread” February 28, 2023, devotional by author Dr. Tim Green, Revival In Our Time, Day Heights, OH. With permission from Tim Green, editor of Baptist Bread.
|
|
ADDITIONAL LEARNING/TEACHING RESOURCES
WILL BE ADDED AS WE MOVE FORWARD
A WARNING - WOLF WATCH MINISTRY
W1036 (W1015) - 02112023 - QUESTIONS/ANSWERS - WHAT ARE THE SUBJECTS THAT CAUSE MOST OF THE CONFUSION? - PRAY FOR DISCERNMENT - Hard Lessons in Discernment - https://conta.cc/3jQrYRL
W1034 - 01282023 - The Heart of New Evangelicalism - THE STATE IS RAISING THE CHILDREN - THE SEXUAL BEHAVIOR OF WOMEN IS...??? - https://conta.cc/40bu1QB
|
|
|
|
This book is FREE to anyone who will promise to read it! Send me your address and I will send a hard copy, For those who would like a PDF copy send me your email address, to denwhar@pacbell.net
|
|
Why do I stipulate this for a free copy? I have been a Pastor for 58 years, many times I have purchased books and put them in my library for future reference. I believe the doctrine of the Bride of Christ is so important, and especially as we see the Lord’s return approaching, therefore, I am willing to pay for the book and the shipping cost and the time to package and deliver to the post office. Why? Because I think you will be excited to learn about the marriage of God’s Son our Savior, and also about the future New Heaven and New Earth. I am Not an Amazing author, but I believe the book has some Amazing information that has been written in a Simple Format, that any could understand."
"It’s Still FREE, send address in Messages or to
my email, denwhar@pacbell.net
I also have a PDF copy I can send to your email."
|
|
Two Americas:
The Old and the New
January 5, 2023
David Cloud, Way of Life Literature, P.O. Box 610368, Port Huron, MI 48061
I love America. Even with America in steep decline, I believe it is the greatest nation on God’s green earth, as one radio personality likes to say. As long as I can remember, I have been thankful to God for America and glad to be an American citizen. Spending a large portion of my life overseas has given me a different perspective of America than most of its citizens, but I know America. I have traveled its length and breadth, from sea to shining sea. I’ve lived in many states (Florida, Tennessee, Missouri, Louisiana, Washington, Oklahoma) and visited every state. I’ve seen the purple mountain majesties, the fruited plain, the sun rising over the Atlantic and setting over the Pacific. Forgetting for a moment America’s vast interior, with its mountains, canyons, plains, plateaus, deserts, gigantic lakes, rivers, waterfalls, wetlands, and rain forests, America has 84,000 miles of coastline. I’ve seen all of the coastlines in the American mainland, from Miami to northern Maine on the Atlantic Coast, from Fort Meyers to Galveston on the Gulf Coast, from San Diego to Bellingham on the Pacific Coast. It is too bad that the vast majority of American visitors see very little of the nation’s scenic magnificence.
There is something that God’s people can do, and it
is no small thing. They can pray.
I’ve not only traveled America and looked at America, I’ve studied America. I’ve read hundreds of books on every aspect of this unique nation, including biographies of a great many of its most prominent men and women.
Everyone is confused about America today. What’s going on with the homeless camps defacing once beautiful cities such as Seattle, San Francisco, and Portland; the mass shootings; organized mobs of thieves bankrupting stores; murderers, rapists, and anarchists released on bond; schools locked down like prison camps; profligate spending; mountainous debt; calls for defunding the police; censorship of ideas; colleges and universities having deteriorated into bastions of totalitarianism; the cancel culture; the imperial presidents; the ultra extreme party spirit in politics; the gross breakdown in law and order in the cities; the insane wokeness destroying the morale of the military’s best warriors; senile American presidents; America’s sports stars refusing to honor the flag; an open southern border which is beyond insane; drag queens twerking for children in public libraries; the breakdown of the nuclear family; vast numbers of illegitimate children; totalitarian public school officials running roughshod over parents; widespread support for men who pretend to be women entering women’s restrooms and participating in women’s sports, to mention a few things.
America’s citizens are confused, and foreign onlookers are confused. The eyes of the world have been upon the American experience since the colonial days when its founders purposed that the fledgling nation be “a city on the hill” to shine the light of truth and liberty across the globe.
What’s happened to America? In a nutshell, there are two Americas today: the Old and the New, and they are at war, knowingly or unknowingly.
THE OLD AMERICA
America was a mixed multitude even from the beginning. The colonies were composed of the most zealous of Christians as well as secular-minded heathen. Many of the colonists were seeking liberty for truth and godliness; others were seeking filthy lucre just as passionately. These two things have always composed the heart and soul of America: righteousness and covetousness. The percentage of born again Christians has always been relatively small even when “Christianity” predominated. Few, if any, of the nation’s presidents were born again. (See The Bible and Western Society, a free eBook available from www.wayoflife.org.)
The central principle of “old America” is liberty, as enshrined in the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, the First Amendment (the magnificent Bill of Rights), and the Second Amendment (the right to bear arms). America was created to be an Empire of Liberty, a Beacon of Liberty, the Sweet Land of Liberty. America, the land of the Liberty Bell, the Liberty Tree, the Statute of Liberty. The home of men who proclaimed, “Give me liberty or give me death.” The land of liberty of religion; liberty of speech; liberty of press; liberty of self-government; liberty from injustice; liberty of economics. America has been called an Idea, and that idea was liberty. Though the liberty was not enjoyed by all at first, that error has been rectified by the 13th Amendment (which abolished slavery), the 15th Amendment (the guarantee of voting rights regardless of race or color), and the 19th Amendment (voting rights for women).
“Liberty was stitched into the fabric of American federalism. In a sense that is hard to appreciate today, throughout the nineteenth century the federal government had little impact on daily life, apart from the local U.S. Post Office” (David Reynolds, America, Empire of Liberty).
Whatever its failures, and there were many, Old America was a nation that was more mightily influenced by the Bible than any nation in history, other than Israel. Even the more skeptical founding fathers like Ben Franklin and Thomas Jefferson were mightily influenced by the Bible. Everyone was.
The Bible was used as a textbook and reader in the nation’s schools, both private and public, for the first 250 years. Everything was taught from the standpoint of a biblical view of God and morality.
America’s first indigenous reader, other than the Bible, was The New England Primer (pronounced prem’-ur). It was filled with quotations from the King James Bible, Scripture truths, prayers, catechisms, and hymns. It was the first textbook printed in America and was the most important educational textbook from 1690 to 1790. An estimated two million copies were sold during that time, and it continued to be published until the 1930s. The introduction to the 1900 edition said, “The New England Primer was one of the greatest books ever published. It went through innumerable editions … [It] contributed, perhaps more than any other book except the Bible, to the molding of those sturdy generations that gave to America its liberty and its institutions.”
The New England Primer was followed by Noah Webster’s American Spelling Book (popularly called the Blue-Back Speller), which was “an essential part of the curriculum of all elementary school children in the United States for five generations.” Webster’s influence on American education was so great that he has been called “The Schoolmaster of the Republic.” Nearly 100 million copies of the Speller have been printed. It taught biblical principles to millions of Americans. Webster also taught the nation to define words with the American Dictionary of the English Language (1828), which contained 6,000 quotations from the King James Bible.
By the use of the Bible and Bible-based textbooks, Americans of the 17th through the 19th centuries were steeped in Scripture from a young age, and this had a powerful influence on society, even among the unsaved.
It was the Bible’s influence that produced Old America’s greatest qualities: the belief that the Bible is God’s Word; near universal belief in the almighty Creator God revealed in the Bible; acceptance of absolute truth based on biblical principles; the emphasis on good character traits such as honesty, purity, humility, self-restraint, benevolence; exalted concepts of human liberty (as summarized in the magnificent Bill of Rights); love of neighbor; civic mindedness; pursuit of universal literacy; strong law and order; respect for authority; the centrality of the “nuclear family” (composed of mother, father, children); private ownership of property; small government under the control of the people.
This is the old America. It was “the land of the free.” With all its faults, it was “one nation under God,” to a large degree.
THE NEW AMERICA
The New America is simply a portion of America that is in rebellion to the Old America. In brief, it is rebellion against almighty God and His holy laws.
The rebellion isn’t new. It existed in incipient form even in the early years after the nation’s founding. Thomas Paine, whose Common Sense was the best-selling book of the Revolutionary War era, was also one of the most brazen skeptics of the time. In The Age of Reason, Paine attacked the divine inspiration of the Bible and exalted human reason as the final authority.
In the 19th century, this rebellion took the form of the enlightenment, existentialism, transcendentalism, unitarianism, German theological liberalism, Darwinian evolution, Social Darwinism, Freudian psychology, Marxism, and socialism, to name a few.
In the 20th century, there was the addition of New Age, Secular Humanism, Feminism, abortion rights, homosexual rights, the sexual revolution, globalism, socialism (e.g., the New Deal and the Great Society), and many other isms.
In the 21st century, there is the addition of cultural Marxism (e.g., Black Lives Matter, Antifa), Analytic Philosophy, Woke, and others.
Influential voices in the destruction of the Old America and the creation of the New America include Charles Darwin, Karl Marx, Julius Wellhausen, Sigmund Freud, Friedrich Nietzsche, Henry David Thoreau (transcendentalism, Hinduism), Jean-Paul Sartre (nihilism, existentialism, moral relativism), Margaret Sanger (abortion rights, free love, feminist liberation, founder of Planned Parenthood, author of The Woman Rebel, with its slogan “No Gods! No Masters”), John Dewey (Secular Humanism preached by education), Michael Foucault (Maoist lecturer at the University of California, a homosexual who died of AIDS), Havelock Ellis (philosopher of “free love”), Carl Sagan (evolution), Noam Chomsky (the power of media to transform society), Jacques Derrida (deconstructionism, Marxism), Rachel Carson (radical environmentalism), Betty Friedan (feminism, co-founder National Organization for Women and author of The Feminine Mystique), Martin Luther King, Jr., and Alice Walker (black feminism), Elvis Presley, Hugh Hefner, Alfred Kinsey and Margaret Mead, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Harry Blackmun, Earl Warren, Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, Stephen Hawking, Michael Jackson, Beyonce, Barak Obama, Madonna, Snoop Dogg, Kim Kardashian, Ellen DeGeneres, and Eminem.
All of these people and all of their isms are various forms of rebellion against the Old America and its belief in the almighty Creator God, absolute truth, Bible-based morality, law and order, equity, freedom of thought, freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of association, the divine distinction of the sexes, the centrality of the nuclear family, the sacredness of life, respect for authority, love of neighbor, civic mindedness, private ownership of property, and small government under the control of the people.
America’s world influence has been great, but it has been a two-edged sword. The Old America had a vast influence for good, though never only good: the gospel of Jesus Christ, liberty and justice, democracy, republicanism, equity, benevolence, civic mindedness, etc. While the Old America is not dead and its influence continues for good, today, the New America’s influence predominates, and it is evil: narcissism, licentiousness, sensuality, immodesty, covetousness, cultural Marxism, atheism.
Born in 1949, I have witnessed both Americas. The New America existed in incipient form in the 1940s and 1950s. It was spreading like ivy, which first sleeps, then creeps, then leaps. It was creeping around in the shadows and had not yet exploding into the limelight. The Old America was definitely in the dominion then, but we are approaching the tipping point when the Old America will be under dominion.
The major political parties have come to represent the two Americas. Generally speaking, the Republicans tend to represent the Old America, and the Democrats tend to represent the New America.
MAGA (Make America Great Again)
Donald Trump’s Make America Great Again program is misguided. The only way to make America great again is to make America the America it was when it was great, and there is no evidence that Trump has a clear concept of what that is or how to get there.
To Make America Great Again would be to re-create the Old America, and that isn’t possible today.
There is something that God’s people can do, and it is no small thing. They can pray. Effectual prayer by redeemed people on “praying ground” is the most powerful thing on this earth. The Bible teaches us how to pray: to pray a lot, to pray persistently, to pray earnestly, to pray individually, to pray corporately, to pray in secret, to pray in pubic, and to pray with prayer partners. One of the things we are instructed to pray for is the nation.
“ I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty” (1 Timothy 2:1-2).
Kelly Whiting - “I’d also say that the two Americas are defined explicitly by their view of human nature, and for the old America that was a biblical understanding of humanity sprinkled with historical knowledge (that people don’t change and are basically evil - liberty isn’t based on the idea that men are good, but that they’re evil so no one should be controlling everyone because human evil will make it despotism every single time) versus the new America view that people are perfectable and that they advance in moral goodness. That’s the root of every ism and left wing movement that has come down the pike. And it’s a rejection of Biblical anthropology.”
The following are the lyrics of “America (My Country, ’Tis of Thee)” written by Samuel Smith in 1832, forty-three years after the ratification of the U.S. Constitution:
My country, 'tis of Thee, Sweet Land of Liberty Of thee I sing; Land where my fathers died, Land of the pilgrims' pride, From every mountain side Let Freedom ring.
My native country, thee, Land of the noble free, Thy name I love; I love thy rocks and rills, Thy woods and templed hills, My heart with rapture thrills Like that above.
Let music swell the breeze, And ring from all the trees Sweet Freedom's song; Let mortal tongues awake; Let all that breathe partake; Let rocks their silence break, The sound prolong.
Our fathers' God to Thee, Author of Liberty, To thee we sing, Long may our land be bright With Freedom's holy light, Protect us by thy might Great God, our King.
Our glorious Land to-day, 'Neath Education's sway, Soars upward still. Its hills of learning fair, Whose bounties all may share, Behold them everywhere On vale and hill!
Thy safeguard, Liberty, The school shall ever be, Our Nation's pride! No tyrant hand shall smite, While with encircling might All here are taught the Right With Truth allied.
Beneath Heaven's gracious will The stars of progress still Our course do sway; In unity sublime To broader heights we climb, Triumphant over Time, God speeds our way!
Grand birthright of our sires, Our altars and our fires Keep we still pure! Our starry flag unfurled, The hope of all the world, In peace and light impearled, God hold secure!
______________________
Sharing Policy: Much of our material is available for free, such as the hundreds of articles at the Way of Life web site. Other items we sell to help fund our expensive literature and foreign church planting ministries. Way of Life's content falls into two categories: sharable and non-sharable. Things that we encourage you to share include the audio sermons, O Timothy magazine, FBIS articles, and the free eVideos and free eBooks. You are welcome to make copies of these at your own expense and share them with friends and family. You may also post parts of reports and/or entire reports to websites, blogs, etc as long as you give proper credit (citation). A link to the original report is very much appreciated as the reports are frequently updated and/or expanded. Things we do not want copied and distributed are "Store" items like the Fundamental Baptist Digital Library, print editions of our books, electronic editions of the books that we sell, the videos that we sell, etc. The items have taken years to produce at enormous expense in time and money, and we use the income from sales to help fund the ministry. We trust that your Christian honesty will preserve the integrity of this policy. "For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward" (1 Timothy 5:18). Questions? support@wayoflife.org
Goal:Distributed by Way of Life Literature Inc., the Fundamental Baptist Information Service is an e-mail posting for Bible-believing Christians. Established in 1974, Way of Life Literature is a fundamental Baptist preaching and publishing ministry based in Bethel Baptist Church, London, Ontario, of which Wilbert Unger is the founding Pastor. Brother Cloud lives in South Asia where he has been a church planting missionary since 1979. Our primary goal with the FBIS is to provide material to assist preachers in the edification and protection of the churches.
Offering: Offerings are welcome if you care to make one. If you have been helped and/or blessed by our material offerings can be mailed or made online with with Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or Paypal. For information see: www.wayoflife.org/about/makeanoffering.html.
|
|
"I believe the book has some Amazing information that has
been written in a Simple Format, that any could understand."
I received the book, "The HIGH CALLING of GOD -
A Look at the Bride of Christ"
·
“IF YOU PROMISE TO READ IT” Why do I stipulate this for a free copy? I have been a Pastor for 58 years, many times I have purchased books and put them in my library for future reference. I believe the doctrine of the Bride of Christ is so important, and especially as we see the Lord’s return approaching, therefore, I am willing to pay for the book and the shipping cost and the time to package and deliver to the post office. Why? Because I think you will be excited to learn about the marriage of God’s Son our Savior, and also about the future New Heaven and New Earth. I am Not an Amazing author, but I believe the book has some Amazing information that has been written in a Simple Format, that any could understand. It’s Still FREE, send address in Messages or to my email, denwhar@pacbell.net I also have a PDF copy I can send to your email. The Bride (constantcontact.com)
|
|
W1015 - 10062022 - THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH AND THE KINGDOM OF GOD: WHAT ARE THE SUBJECTS THAT CAUSE MOST OF THE CONFUSION? - Dangers to A Church -Friend or Foe? - WHAT ARE THE SUBJECTS THAT CAUSE MOST OF THE CONFUSION?- “ - FABLE: New Translations are needed to bring the archaic Old English language up to date. Abomination! - https://conta.cc/3CACWRW
START CLICKING BELOW AND START STUDYING!
CLICKABLE LINKS ARE ADDED FOR YOUR FURTHER STUDY OF
EACH OF THE SUBJECTS BELOW:
Accessed from www.AWarningMinistry.com
Page 444, “The Discipling Church: The Church That Will Stand until Jesus Comes”.
|
|
ADDITIONAL LEARNING/TEACHING RESOURCES
WILL BE ADDED AS WE MOVE FORWARD
A WARNING - WOLF WATCH MINISTRY
W1036 (W1015) - 02112023 - QUESTIONS/ANSWERS - WHAT ARE THE SUBJECTS THAT CAUSE MOST OF THE CONFUSION? - PRAY FOR DISCERNMENT - Hard Lessons in Discernment - https://conta.cc/3jQrYRL
W1034 - 01282023 - The Heart of New Evangelicalism - THE STATE IS RAISING THE CHILDREN - THE SEXUAL BEHAVIOR OF WOMEN IS...??? - https://conta.cc/40bu1QB
|
|
Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ. (Ephesians 4: 13-15)
People often wonder, whether they verbalize it or not, why Lighthouse Trails has taken on the task of “criticizing other ministries.” After all, isn’t unity the most important thing in all of Christianity?
Recently, for example, our office received an e-mail from someone who was very upset over our critiques and concerns of the movie series, The Chosen. Below is a portion of the comments we received from this person:
With all due respect, you’re absolutely wrong, and bearing (in a documented way) false witness against a brother [Dallas Jenkins] and his ministry. Maybe check up on what the word says about those practices, eh? . . . [Lighthouse Trails] is an organization that fashions themselves after the Pharisees of scripture . . . and gatekeeping the faith. . . . It’s sad but true that there will always be that percentage of Christians who relish judging others and being purveyors of gossip and false witness, and you’ve found purpose in providing them fodder for their sinful attitudes. For shame.
It is difficult to read such harsh criticism; but we also know we don’t stand alone; many of our readers have been accused of ungodly behavior when expressing concerns over practices or teachings they felt were unbiblical and spiritually dangerous.
If you have read my booklet, My Journey Out of Catholicism,1 you know that I was raised Catholic and found the Lord after being drafted and sent to Germany as the Vietnam War was just ending. During this era, many young people in the ’60s and ’70s found the Lord as the Gospel was presented to hearts that were searching and hungry for truth. After my military duty ended, and I returned home (now as a born-again believer), I first got involved with a group in the Catholic charismatic movement. One of the great ironies of my Christian walk is that it was the charismatic Catholics who told me I had a “gift of discernment.” I say ironic because it was discernment that led me out of the Catholic Church. As difficult as that time period was, it was also somewhat amusing that the spiritual gift the Catholic charismatics said I had was actually rejected by them as I began questioning practices like “inner healing,” contemplative prayer, “slaying in the Spirit,” and deliverance rituals.
Lessons in Harsh Criticisms
Over the years since then, I’ve given a lot of thought to what biblical discernment is all about and have come to realize that it’s so important to be sensitive to what the Lord wants us to do as a ministry. For one, we know we can’t cover every topic, so we seek the Lord on what He would have us to do.
This may come as a surprise, but some of the harshest criticisms we’ve ever received were not about exposing error in the church but that we weren’t doing enough. In at least two cases, the offended party told us they would do all they could do to destroy Lighthouse Trails and the ministries of some of our authors because we would not post or cover an issue they felt we should cover. At this point, their initial request that we would post their material now became a demand! The argument in each case was basically that because we would not expose a particular person or error, we must be in league with the enemy, and consequently, heretics and deceivers. These threats were brutal in that these parties said they would use whatever means or media they could avail themselves with to destroy Lighthouse Trails. As far as handling such situations, we made the decision many years ago that if an attack was unwarranted, rather than quickly coming to our own defense, we would lean on the Lord’s protection and trust Him to vindicate us as He saw fit.
There were a few reasons why we refused to post these materials on our website: first and foremost, we wanted to be led by the Lord and not by intimidation and threats; second, in these severe cases and in others as well, the materials being presented to us were vehement, poorly researched, and even slanderous and erroneous. Lighthouse Trails has always tried to be careful in our treatment of those who bring false teachings into the church. As much as we can, we try to keep our focus on the false teachings themselves with the hopes that these false teachings might cease—or at least be exposed and avoided. We realize it is not our job or even within our ability to know the heart and motives of those presenting false teachings. But, at the same time, we are not naïve enough as to not see the apostasy that is presently sweeping our world and the church.
One of these individuals who said he would destroy Lighthouse Trails (largely because we wouldn’t post his materials) said that when he exposes someone, he likes to go for the “shock and the awe” as he attempts to destroy someone’s reputation. As we see it, such an attitude goes against the purpose of a biblical discernment ministry, which is to aid and serve the body of Christ by exposing things that are a dangerous hindrance to finding or walking with God and exhorting the church to remain anchored to the truth found in God’s Word.
The Chosen: An Unpleasant Task in Discernment
In First John chapter 4, John distinguishes the spirit of antichrist from the true Christ by using the Gospel itself as the standard for measurement. I have written about this before: It is the idea that anything that tears down the Gospel is not of God, and whatever builds it up is of God. This standard has also been the tool we employ in deciding what subjects to write about. You see, the Gospel has everything to do with our eternal destiny, so it is essential that we defend and protect it. It’s important to remember too that the spirit of antichrist is not always portrayed as hatred of Christ, but it can often come in a much more subtle form as a substitute for Christ or an imitation (i.e., false) Christ.
In this article about difficult lessons in discernment, I decided to use The Chosen as an example. What I said in the previous paragraph is why we took on warning about it. Doing this has not been a pleasant task; we already had friends, family members, and readers who felt, at first, that The Chosen was a wonderful way of presenting the Gospel, and after all, Christian leaders are recommending it.
But there was something amiss; and as we did our research, it became apparent that a subtle (and sometimes not so subtle) dismantling of the Gospel was taking place where Jesus, the Son of God, takes on more and more human qualities to the point that He is just like us. Now, it may seem OK to some to do this since the Gospel teaches us that Jesus is fully God and fully man; but what happens when we see, on the screen, that Jesus is just another one of us? What happens when we see one of Jesus’ disciples helping Him recite His lines for His sermon on the Mount? And what will happen to Derral Eves’ (The Chosen’s Mormon CEO and Executive Producer) teenage son, who rushed to his father in the middle of the night with joyful tears in his eyes, saying “Dad, Jesus really does live, doesn’t he . . . and he’s a real person, right?” His son said this after viewing a scene in The Chosen in season three where “Jesus” was “blowing raspberries” (i.e., making flatulence sounds with his lips) while interacting among children.2
This scene was obviously intended to be funny, but it was clearly an attempt to bring Jesus down to our level which very much lines up with Mormonism (which teaches that Jesus was just a man who attained divinity, just as Mormon believers will attain godhood). As we learn more about Mormonism, we find that Heaven will be a place where Joseph Smith will be seated next to the Father (in as much prominence as Jesus Christ), and Jesus will be further removed sitting among various historical figures.
Then consider John the Baptist who is depicted in The Chosen as “creepy John.”3 At face value, John could have been seen as creepy to his culture; after all, he was out there in the desert eating locusts and honey. But if we search the Scriptures to see what John was really like and how people perceived him, to call him creepy John” is not “plausible”4 as Dallas Jenkins likes to call his version of Bible stories—it is fabrication and slanderous!
As it turns out, John was loved and respected by many—both Jew and Gentile. More importantly, we should note how God perceived him. In Luke, chapter one, an angel spoke these words about John:
For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb. . . . And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. (Luke 1:15, 17)
Then in Luke, chapter 7, Jesus spoke of John’s ministry as very honorable saying, “Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist” (Luke 7:28). With these verses in mind, it is puzzling, then, that The Chosen would depict “creepy John” as someone Jesus felt was going off the deep end and needing correction.5
Reading further in Luke 7, and in light of the depiction of John in The Chosen, it is amazing to see what Jesus said next because, while multitudes of people went to hear and be baptized by John, a small minority would not hear him, and these were “the Pharisees and lawyers [who] rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him” (Luke 7:30). What caught my attention first in this Bible passage is the fact that Jesus addresses the Pharisees and describes what they are like; so I was curious to see what Jesus had to say about them, having been freshly accused of being modern-day Pharisees ourselves. Speaking of these men, Jesus said:
Whereunto then shall I liken the men of this generation? and to what are they like? They are like unto children sitting in the marketplace, and calling one to another, and saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned to you, and ye have not wept. For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, He hath a devil. The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners! (Luke 7:31-34)
Now, let’s be careful here in understanding what Jesus is trying to say: Jesus is not authenticating the view that Jesus (or His disciples) are party animals who go out and get drunk, nor is He authenticating the view that John the Baptist is creepy or mad or “hath a devil.” No actually, He is denying it.
Reading these verses reminded me again about The Chosen episode where Jesus has a disciple help recite His lines for the Sermon on the Mount. In Scripture, did Jesus have something to say on that subject? Let’s consider the following words of Jesus:
Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. (John 8:28)
Does this sound like Jesus practiced His lines with the help of a disciple, where in fact, He only wanted to speak what He received of the Father? Jesus spoke the things He received directly from the Father because Jesus was eternally God with the Father. And He is telling the people here that when they see Him crucified, die, and rise again, they will know who was with them. Again, we see a gradual whittling down of Jesus in The Chosen to being just a man. Dallas Jenkins claims to be presenting the “authentic Jesus”6 in this series while only using five percent of Scripture.7 It seems more like they are trying to present an authentic Jesus while contradicting Scripture (something impossible to do!). Again, the die has been cast, and it appears that the Jesus of The Chosen resembles more that of the Book of Mormon than that of Holy Scripture.
A Lesson in Finding the Truth: The Chosen and the Mormons
Given that the Mormon producers of The Chosen are obligated by their religion to stay true to the Book of Mormon, how can they justify depicting Jesus as revealed in the Holy Bible when their Book of Mormon supersedes the Bible? This is a real predicament as the Mormons have invested heavily into this production. Perhaps for a time, it will be possible to ride the fence of neutrality, but the day will surely come when they will have to abide by their true persuasions. Most likely, by then, the damage will already be done in gradually sizing Jesus down to just a man who eventually became “god” just as all Mormons will one day become gods—that is, as the Book of Mormon teaches.
A while back, Dallas Jenkins made a statement indicating that it is OK to have Mormons involved in the creation of The Chosen series, by saying that Mormons and Christians believe in the same Jesus.8 What he should have said is Christianity and Mormonism have entirely separate views of who Jesus was and who He is. Jesus, according to Mormonism, was never part of the eternal Godhead but attained godhood just as they believe man can attain godhood. Consequently, Jesus can never become one’s Savior under that belief system.
What we see happening in The Chosen series is a subtle and gradual dismantling of Jesus Christ, the disciples, and the Bible itself. This is serious because, while this series may be entertaining, the distortions to Scripture can have eternal consequences. Some argue that The Chosen will stimulate people to read their Bibles; but just like the Book of Mormon, this series may easily supplant the Bible (and probably already has because of its powerful seduction of the senses), and it will be the only “Bible” many viewers will ever know. We have already seen this happen with Jesus Calling, where readers of this book contacted us to admit that they had become so “addicted” to and enamored with the romantic nature of this “Jesus” that they increasingly set their Bibles aside and used this book for their devotional reading.
A Lesson in Knowing Who We Are and Who He Is
In closing, I would like to make a few remarks about distinguishing truth from error. First, in referring back to the e-mail we received from our critic who parenthetically injected a keen observation about our position on The Chosen, I am very thankful. She said we present our information “in a documented way,” which, in and of itself, is a compliment. We research things carefully to get to the truth on any issue. For example, when we said that only five percent of The Chosen is from the Bible, we were quoting Dallas Jenkins himself who said this. The point being, it’s valuable to do the research though it takes much time and effort before making an observation or a criticism. Another point she made was in referring to us as gatekeepers of the faith, which I also take as a compliment, but one that we have neither earned nor deserve. Jesus is the sheepgate. He stated that when He said:
I am the door; by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. (John 10:9).
By this, Jesus was indicating that He is our all in all things. Paul expanded on the various aspects of what Jesus does for us when he said:
But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption. (1 Corinthians 1:30)
In other words, Jesus provides everything we need for salvation and Christian living. Indeed, He is both the gate and the gatekeeper of our faith, enabling us to discern what is good and what is not.
There will come a time when we will meet the Lord, and there will be plenty of surprises when God reveals how much that was done “for God” was actually counter-productive. May we humbly seek Him to help us to build His kingdom and not tear it down. On that day, God will test our lives (and ministries) as with fire to a house—some built with straw and some built with stone.
I find myself described in the same chapter from Paul when he says:
For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 1: 26-31; emphasis added)
Do you find yourself described in these verses? If so, you are in good company, and God can use you even through the hardest lessons of discernment.
Endnotes
-
https://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=10964.
-
“So You Still Think The Chosen Is an Accurate Reflection of the “Authentic” Jesus Christ? Really?,” https://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=35080.
-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTh3glbl8s4.
- Dallas Jenkins often says that the fictionalized stories he’s created are “plausible.” According to Webster’s Dictionary, the word plausible means “superficially fair, reasonable, or valuable but often specious (i.e., having a “false look of truth or genuineness” and “having deceptive attraction or allure”).
-
https://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=34616.
-
“A Candid Conversation with Dallas Jenkins, Director of The Chosen” (Melissa Dougherty, 4/27/21, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__-Yyq1FPQI), mm: 67:45-67:55.
- Ibid., mm: 25:11.
-
“Interview with a Mormon and an Evangelical!” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXIiv3NhIhc&t=796s, mm: 9:37-10:55.
- David Dombrowski is the co-founder and chief editor of Lighthouse Trails and the author of several booklets and articles.
(painting is from istockphoto.com; used with permission)
|
|
BY READER FEEDBACK >>>> THIS 'NEW' IMPROVED FORMAT IS DESIGNED TO OFFER AN EASIER CONTINUITY FOR READING AND PRESERVATION OF THE 'ALREADY' OFFERING OF MANY RESOURCES AND LINKS TO HELP EVERYONE IN LEARNING AND TEACHING... Your questions and comments are always welcome! Roger@RogerFulk.com
|
|
 |
The Heart of New Evangelicalism
September 29, 2009
David Cloud, Way of Life Literature, P.O. Box 610368, Port Huron, MI 48061
I am convinced that few errors are as destructive to fundamentalist, Bible-believing churches as New Evangelicalism. When people leave our churches, where do they go? Do they join the Roman Catholic Church? Do they join a modernistic Protestant church? Do they join a cult like the Mormons? No, most people who leave staunch Bible-believing churches join the easy-going New Evangelical church down the street or across town.
It is therefore crucial that we understand the nature of New Evangelicalism. Elsewhere we have traced the history of New Evangelicalism and given an extensive definition thereof. (See the book New Evangelicalism: Its History, Characteristics, and Fruit, which is available from Way of Life Literature.)
In this article I want to describe what I believe to be the very heart and soul of New Evangelicalism. I want to give a practical definition of New Evangelicalism that can be understood and used by the members of independent Baptist and other fundamentalist, Bible-believing congregations to protect themselves and their children from this error.
PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE
The following definition comes from many years of dealing with and studying New Evangelicalism. When we arrived in South Asia in 1979 to begin our missionary work, I was very ignorant of the nature of New Evangelicalism. Little did I know that I was soon to have a crash course! In my ignorance and inexperience, I was under the impression that New Evangelicalism was basically a United States phenomenon and that believers in other parts of the world, though they might be aligned with New Evangelical type organizations, would not necessarily be infected with this type of compromise. How wrong I was!
During our first year in Nepal, I was invited by the national Campus Crusade for Christ organization to preach at an underground evangelistic meeting, which I did. (Gospel work was illegal at that time.) Using the book of Romans as an outline, I preached the Gospel, beginning with man's sin and God's holiness and judgment, and ending with God's love and grace through Jesus Christ. I started where the apostle Paul started and ended where he ended. After the service, the main leader took me aside and told me that my preaching was "too negative." This was to be expected, I suppose, considering the fact that Campus Crusade's “Four Spiritual Laws” starts on a positive note with "God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life." This was the first time, though, that I had direct dealings with those who had consciously rejected the negatives of biblical Christianity and strived always to put a positive spin on everything, and I was shocked at their blatant disregard for Scripture. We discussed the fact that the apostles dealt with men in a very negative manner, dealing first with man's sin and God's holiness before speaking of God's love and mercy, but they were unmoved in their philosophy that it is "too negative" to preach like this today. Nothing I could show them from the Word of God seemed to have any impact whatsoever upon them.
After a few months I was invited by the leaders of the Nepal Christian Fellowship (the head of which, at that time, was also the head of Campus Crusade for Christ in Nepal) to speak at some home Bible studies. I chose the topic of biblical separation, and it turned out to be a hot item! Knowing that the Jesuits had a strong foothold in that area and that some of the non-Catholic believers had close fellowship with them, I described the apostasy of Roman Catholicism and explained what the Bible says about separation from error. The response was quick and severe! When I closed my Bible, a female missionary who was working with an ecumenical organization and who taught in a girl's school, stood and loudly proclaimed, "You're not going to tell me I can't fellowship with my Roman Catholic friends! I attend mass with them and they attend church with me and I don't see anything wrong with it!" Though I was scheduled to teach a series of Bible studies, that first one became my last, because my hosts decided the teaching was too controversial.
After this I was invited by the same Fellowship to speak to a group of Nepali pastors. I was told that they had no Bible education and needed any help I could give them. They came to the capitol city from various parts of Nepal for these meetings, and I decided to use the book of Titus as an outline, dealing with some of the practical matters of church life. It seemed to be an ideal place to start. Titus was instructed by the apostle Paul in how to "set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city" (Titus 1:5). This was precisely what was needed in Nepal. There were a number of small, struggling churches that did not have proper organization or instruction. I started where Paul started in Titus chapter one, with God's standards for church leaders and how to deal with heretics (verses 6-16), but my "negative" preaching proved, once again, to be a hot topic!
One of the men who attended the meeting was from eastern Nepal and was considered the chief pastor among a number of churches scattered across that region. He was one of the most enthusiastic in telling me that my teaching was wonderful. After each session he would approach me and shake my hand cheerfully and tell me what a help these meetings were to him. I was encouraged. My ministry was appreciated! My gifts were recognized! I was getting through! There was going to be some godly change to the glory of Christ.
How deceived I was! I soon learned that this man, this very man, was living in total disobedience to the things we were looking at from God's Word. He had three wives. Not two, but three! He was living with the youngest one at his main church compound in a town near the Indian border, and the two older wives were living with their children on two other farms he owned. He visited them from time to time.
When I confronted him with the matter of his polygamy and warned him that he was not qualified to be a pastor, he was very discouraged. The next session he stood and addressed the group of men, describing a vision he had from God, supposedly, in which God commanded him to "preach to my sheep." I explained that he could preach and serve the Lord in certain ways, but that he was not qualified to be a pastor and that God would not contradict the Scriptures through a vision. He refused to listen, and the Campus Crusade leader and others encouraged the man NOT to quit the pastorate! They stayed up with him much of that night speaking to him and encouraging him NOT to obey the clear teaching of the Word of God.
I was not invited to speak any more at evangelical meetings in Nepal. I had only been there a year or so and already my career as a popular ecumenical speaker was finished! Praise the Lord for His mercy and kindness to an ignorant young missionary! I learned that if you stand strictly upon the Word of God, you will be "too negative" for the New Evangelical crowd and there will soon be a parting of the ways.
A REPUDIATION OF THE NEGATIVE ASPECTS OF BIBLICAL CHRISTIANITY
Since that time I have studied New Evangelicalism intensely. I learned that it is the predominant form of Christianity today apart from Romanism, Modernism, and the Cults, and I have wanted to understand it.
I have found that the heart of New Evangelicalism is this: It is a repudiation of the negative aspects of biblical Christianity.
This is what confuses so many people. They hear a Chuck Colson or a Chuck Swindoll or a Billy Graham or a Luis Palau or a Jack Van Impe, and they proclaim, "Everything he said was good; I didn't hear anything unscriptural." That is often correct. The chief problem with New Evangelicalism is not so much the heresy that it preaches but the truth that it neglects.
The New Evangelical will NOT preach plainly against sin. He will NOT practice separation. He will NOT identify and expose false teachers. He has repudiated this type of negativism, in spite of the fact that it is plainly a part of the whole counsel of God. Consider some examples of this. We will begin with statements by Billy Graham, one of the fathers of New Evangelicalism:
"I am far more tolerant of other kinds of Christians than I once was. My contact with Catholic, Lutheran and other leaders--people far removed from my own Southern Baptist tradition--has helped me, hopefully, to move in the right direction" (Billy Graham, "I Can't Play God Any More," McCall's magazine, Jan. 1978).
Note the word "tolerant." This is a keynote of New Evangelicalism. My friends, it is utterly impossible to be tolerant in the sense that Graham is speaking and to be faithful to the Word of God. God is not tolerant of sin or error. How can His preachers think they can be tolerant of such things and be pleasing to Him? It is confusion.
In 1966 Graham was asked the following questions by a reporter for the very liberal United Church of Canada:
"Q. In your book you speak of 'false prophets.' You say it is the 'full-time effort of many intellectuals to circumvent God's plan' and you make a quotation from Paul Tillich. Do you consider Paul Tillich a false prophet?"
"A. I have made it a practice not to pass judgment on other clergymen."
"Q. Do you think that churches such as The United Church of Canada and the great liberal churches of the United States that are active in the ecumenical movement ... are 'apostate'?"
"A. I could not possibly pass this type of judgment on individual churches and clergymen within The United Church of Canada ... Our Evangelistic Association is not concerned to pass judgment--favorable or adverse--on any particular denomination" ("Billy Graham Answers 26 Provocative Questions," United Church Observer, July 1, 1966).
From this interview we observe another standard New Evangelical characteristic. The New Evangelical will warn of false teaching in a general, vague sense, but he refuses to identify false teachers plainly. The New Evangelical's hearers therefore are not protected from error. They are not told exactly who teaches it. Further, the New Evangelical will fellowship with and quote false teachers indiscriminately and thereby send signals that they are genuine brethren in Christ.
In 1986 the very popular evangelical teacher Warren Wiersbe gave me the following advice in a letter:
"Quite frankly, my Brother, I wish some of the brethren would take off their boxing gloves and pick up a towel. Perhaps if people began to wash one another's feet, there might be more love and unity" (Warren Wiersbe, letter to D.W. Cloud, May 23, 1986).
I had written to Dr. Wiersbe and asked him why he was associated with Christianity Today (he was an associate editor at the time) and other New Evangelical organizations, why he refused to speak plainly against such things as Roman Catholicism and Modernism. He replied with the above comment. Of course, we do need to remove our boxing gloves if we are fighting merely for self interest or for some pet peeve that is not a part of the Word of God, or if we are striving merely out of a carnal love for quarreling, if we are merely a carnal problem maker. But Wiersbe's advice was given in the context of contending for the faith, and if ever there were a day when God's men need to put on the gloves and earnestly contend for the faith once delivered to the saints, it is today!
The following statement was made at the Amsterdam ’86 conference for itinerate evangelists:
"That's the wrong spirit--AVOID the liberal! I love to be with liberals, especially if they are willing to be taught, much more than with hard-boiled Fundamentalists who have all the answers. ... Evangelicals should seek to build bridges" (Stephen Olford, cited by Dennis Costella, "Amsterdam '86: Using Evangelism to Promote Ecumenism," Foundation, July-August 1986).
Dennis Costella of the Fundamental Evangelistic Association attended Billy Graham’s Amsterdam '86 conference with press credentials and heard Stephen Olford speak. He delivered a strong message on the authority of Scripture, mentioned the danger of theological modernism, and warned the evangelists in a general way to beware of it. Later, when Costella had opportunity to interview Olford, he asked this question,
"You emphasized in your message the dangers of liberalism and how it could ruin the evangelist and his ministry. What is this conference doing to instruct the evangelist as to how to identify liberalism and the liberal so that upon his return home, he will be able to avoid the same?"
Olford replied with the comment in the previous paragraph about how that he loves liberals much more than fundamentalists. Again we see the New Evangelical characteristic of refusing to be specific about error. They will warn of false teaching in general but they refuse to deal with it in the way required by the Word of God. The shocking truth is that the New Evangelical hates fundamentalism far more than he hates Modernism or Romanism or other true heresies.
The following statement was made by David Hubbard, the president of Fuller Theological Seminary:
"At Fuller we are characterized by balance in that we are an institution of 'both-and' rather than 'either-or.' We seek to be both Evangelical and ecumenical ..." (Hubbard, Christianity Today, Feb. 3, 1989, p. 71).
What doublespeak! A "both-and" Christianity is as unscriptural as it possibly can be, yet this is what the New Evangelical strives for and glories in.
The very popular Charles Swindoll made the following statement:
"I'm not a charismatic. However, I don't feel it's my calling to shoot great volleys of theological artillery at my charismatic brothers and sisters. ... More than ever we need grace-awakened ministers who free rather than bind: Life beyond the letter of Scripture ... absence of dogmatic Bible-bashing" (Charles Swindoll, The Grace Awakening, pp. 188, 233).
The “dogmatic Bible-bashing” that Swindoll so despises is a perfect description of how the apostles ministered God’s Word. Consider Peter's message in 2 Peter 2. It would be difficult to use language harsher or plainer than this to describe false teachers. A "grace-awakened" minister by Swindoll's definition is one who is tolerant of error and emphasizes the positive in every situation. This was not the characteristic of the apostle Paul’s ministry. In the Pastoral Epistles alone he identified false teachers and compromisers ten times (1 Tim. 1:20; 2 Tim. 1:15; 2:17; 3:8; 4:10, 14).
The apostles were NOT New Evangelicals. Regarding false teachers, they gave the following instruction: (1) Mark and avoid them (Rom. 16:17-18). (2) Come out from among them (2 Cor. 6:14-18). (3) Shun their babblings (2 Tim. 2:16-17). (4) Turn away from them (2 Tim. 3:5). (5) Reject them (Tit. 3:10). (6) Do not receive them nor bid them God speed (2 Jn. 10-11).
Another example of the heart of New Evangelicalism is Luis Palau’s ministry:
"LUIS PALAU'S form of worship presents such a broad Christian message that it appeals to Protestants and Catholics alike ... [Palau] carefully avoids the controversial differences between Catholics and Protestants" (The Arizona Republic, Oct. 31, 1992).
This is a good description of New Evangelicalism. It presents a "broad" Christian message and carefully avoids controversial matters. It is interesting that this description is given by the secular press.
Consider the following description of Peter Wagner’s ministry:
"Wagner makes negative assessments about nobody. He has made a career out of finding what is good in growing churches, and affirming it without asking many critical questions" (Tim Stafford, "Testing the Wine from John Wimber's Vineyard," Christianity Today, August 8, 1986, p. 18).
Wagner is a popular church growth expert in evangelical circles. This description of his ministry illustrates what we are saying about New Evangelicalism. It has the goal of being positive, even to the degree of ignoring or downplaying error.
Thus we see that the foremost trait of New Evangelicalism is its repudiation of the negative aspects of biblical Christianity. If the preacher you listen to avoids such things as Hell, Judgment, and Separation; if he never pointedly identifies apostasy, speaking of error on in general terms; if he studiously avoids being controversial; if he speaks more of self-esteem than self-denial, you are doubtless listening to a New Evangelical preacher.
A MOOD OF NEUTRALISM
Another way of identifying New Evangelicalism is its mood of neutralism. New Evangelicalism is a philosophy, but it is also a mood. In his discerning book on New Evangelicalism subtitled The New Neutralism, John Ashbrook observes that New Evangelicalism “might more properly be labeled The New Neutralism. It seeks neutral ground, being neither fish nor fowl, neither right nor left, neither for nor against--it stands between!" (p. 2).
New Evangelicalism can be identified by the following terms: Soft, cautious, hesitant, tolerant, pragmatic, accommodating, flexible, non- controversial, non-offensive, non-passionate, non-dogmatic.
Whenever you encounter churches and preachers that are characterized by these terms, you have encountered New Evangelicalism.
In contrast to New Evangelicalism’s mood of neutralism, Bible Christianity is characterized by terms such as strong, bold, fearless, dogmatic, plain, intolerant and unaccommodating (of sin and error), inflexible (in regard to the truth), controversial, offensive (to those who are disobedient to God), and passionate.
While the battle between truth and error rages in the last hours of the church age, New Evangelicalism tries to sit on the sideline.
Beware of New Evangelicalism. It is a great error, and to adopt it is to enter a downward path that leads to increasing blindness. Behold Billy Graham. In the early days of his ministry he preached against Romanism, Communism, and Modernism, but today sees no great problem with any of these. Today he calls the pope of Rome a great evangelist and a friend of the saints. Behold Jack Van Impe. Three decades ago he preached in fundamentalist circles, but today he holds forth the pope as a great defender of the faith! Behold James Robison. Only a few years ago he lifted his voice boldly against apostasy, but today he thinks the former pope was a saved man and a great example of morality.
______________________
Sharing Policy: Much of our material is available for free, such as the hundreds of articles at the Way of Life web site. Other items we sell to help fund our expensive literature and foreign church planting ministries. Way of Life's content falls into two categories: sharable and non-sharable. Things that we encourage you to share include the audio sermons, O Timothy magazine, FBIS articles, and the free eVideos and free eBooks. You are welcome to make copies of these at your own expense and share them with friends and family. You may also post parts of reports and/or entire reports to websites, blogs, etc as long as you give proper credit (citation). A link to the original report is very much appreciated as the reports are frequently updated and/or expanded. Things we do not want copied and distributed are "Store" items like the Fundamental Baptist Digital Library, print editions of our books, electronic editions of the books that we sell, the videos that we sell, etc. The items have taken years to produce at enormous expense in time and money, and we use the income from sales to help fund the ministry. We trust that your Christian honesty will preserve the integrity of this policy. "For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward" (1 Timothy 5:18). Questions? support@wayoflife.org
Goal:Distributed by Way of Life Literature Inc., the Fundamental Baptist Information Service is an e-mail posting for Bible-believing Christians. Established in 1974, Way of Life Literature is a fundamental Baptist preaching and publishing ministry based in Bethel Baptist Church, London, Ontario, of which Wilbert Unger is the founding Pastor. Brother Cloud lives in South Asia where he has been a church planting missionary since 1979. Our primary goal with the FBIS is to provide material to assist preachers in the edification and protection of the churches.
Offering: Offerings are welcome if you care to make one. If you have been helped and/or blessed by our material offerings can be mailed or made online with with Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or Paypal. For information see: www.wayoflife.org/about/makeanoffering.html.
|
|
|
|
ADDITIONAL LEARNING/TEACHING RESOURCES
WILL BE ADDED AS WE MOVE FORWARD
A WARNING - WOLF WATCH MINISTRY
W1034 - 01282023 - The Heart of New Evangelicalism - THE STATE IS RAISING THE CHILDREN - THE SEXUAL BEHAVIOR OF WOMEN IS...??? - https://conta.cc/40bu1QB
|
Imagine two people. One who devotes all or most of their attention and labor to a project, and another who devotes a fraction or none at all. Which will typically produce the better result? Now replace “people” with “mothers” and “a project” with “raising children.” (The latter is the “feminist” paradigm; the inverse of the traditional as usual.)
All of the female wit and labor, once devoted primarily to child rearing, being diverted elsewhere has taken a pernicious toll on our civilization. Modern women produce inferior children, because modern women don’t raise their children. The state does while they’re off pretending to be men. Those children go on to become damaged and deranged adults, and we all suffer for it.
I noticed long ago that women entered the workforce in droves during WW2, and one generation later what do you see? The licentious drug addled hippies of the sixties. The weeds of a burgeoning moral/social decay that’s increased with each new generation since. And the reality is the women (“feminists”) of this country are fine with that. They prefer it even.
As I’ve said for years, if you gave modern women (“feminists”) the choice between returning to the home (duty), and the destruction of their families and country, they would choose the latter. How do I know that? Because that’s what they did. That’s what they’re choosing every day.
People think I’m being hyperbolic when I call them “traitors.” But that’s what “feminists” are. A “feminist” (female Marxist revolutionary) is not, contrary to what you’ve been told, a proponent of fairness (or whatever other dulcet platitude they proffer). They’re insidious and malicious iconoclasts seeking the complete destruction of our traditional ethos, our families, our republic… They’ve been weaponized by Marxism, i.e., are firmly ensconced on the left in the culture war and are the enemy.
Trying to reason with them, to edify them… is a waste of time. One might find a proselyte occasionally, but never in sufficient quantities to make a difference. You will never get them to reassume their duties through cogent argument or appeals to probity. Such methods only carry weight with the reasonable and virtuous. And you’re not dealing with that. You’re dealing with people who murder their own children because their existence is inconvenient (is an obstacle to their whoremongering and larping as men). Would you try to “debate” a man who murders his own children into submission? So why are you doing it with women?
I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully. 1 Timothy 5:14
|
Bill Taylor, " The sexual behavior of women is a primary factor in whether a society succeeds or falls. If a woman doesn’t insist that a man grow up, get a job, and marry her before having sex with him, there’s no reason for him to grow up or to commit himself to taking care of her."
|
HE SEXUAL BEHAVIOR OF WOMEN IS THE DECISIVE FACTOR IN CULTURAL SUCCESS
President John Adams wrote this in 1778:
“From all that I have read of history and government of human life and matters, I have drawn this conclusion, that the manners of women were the most infallible barometer to ascertain the degree of morality and virtue in a nation. All that I have since read and all the observations I have made in different nations have confirmed me in this opinion."
“The manners of women are the surest criterion by which to determine whether a Republican Government is practicable in a nation or not. The Jews, the Greeks, the Romans, the Swiss, the Dutch, all lost their public spirit, their Republican principles and habits and their Republican forms of government when they lost the modesty and domestic virtues of their women.”
In a book called “Sex and Culture” written in 1914, Dr. Unwin wrote, “The sexual behavior of women before marriage is the decisive factor in cultural success. Men are mainly motivated by sex. If they can get it without marriage, they contribute less to society.”
“Pre-nuptial chastity coupled with absolute monogamy energizes cultures most. Cultures that sustained this for three generations exceeded all other cultures in every area. Only the world’s greatest empires managed it:
– The Athenians
– The Romans
– The British
“Embracing total sexual freedom produces an ‘inert’ culture. People focus only on their own wants and needs. Such cultures are conquered by others with greater social energy.”
There are MANY reasons why God commands the aged women to teach the young women to be chaste and keepers at home. It not only protects them, but it sustains culture. When women commit fornication and leave their homes for the workforce, there is no reason why men need to be sexually pure and work hard to be providers. Their entire incentive is gone.
Sex is a driving force in men for good or evil. When they desire sex and have found a good woman who will not give them sex until marriage, they will marry and work hard to provide for their families. This is why the first seven chapters of Proverbs warns young men of the “strange woman,” the promiscuous woman, who lurks around waiting to destroy them. Men’s sex drive was given to them to marry, produce children, work hard, and defend their families and nations, not to look at porn, fornicate, and be lazy. When women leave their station in life, men follow.
Teach your daughters to be sexually pure and desire to be keepers at home caring for their husbands, children, and home. Teach your sons to be sexually pure and not fall for the seductress but work hard and prepare to provide for a family. Be diligent in teaching and training your children these things, women. If you don’t, culture will teach them how to destroy themselves and culture.
Let not thine heart decline to her ways, go no astray in her paths. For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her. Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death. Proverbs 7:25-27
Righteousness exalteth a nation; but sin is a reproach to any people. Proverbs 14:34
|
|
|
|
BEARING WITNESS
Just Speak the Word in Love. It will do the Work of God, through the Spirit of God, and Accomplish its intended Purpose. By the Spirit of the Word, that is Sharper than a Two Edged Sword.
1 Corinthians 3:6-8 King James Version
6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.
7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.
8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.
PREPARING THE GROUND - According to the Scriptures - Modern day soul winning statistics... - - WHO MOVED THE GOAL POSTS? - MORE >>> Introduction to SOUL WINNING - Again, we are told that our theological differences will disappear...
You searched for
"GO YE THEREFORE" in the KJV Bible
|
|
What would change in your life if God gave you one million dollars?
How would to manage this money?
Would God trust your ability to not waste the money?
It's not how much we start with but how we use what
God has entrusted me with that matters.
|
|
|
|
Why God Made Men and Women Think So Differently
The Church Abandoned Holy Matrimony
|
|
|
Instead of delving into one’s childhood and past hurts from parents, as most marriage counselors do with couples they’re mentoring, couples need to be taught who they are in Christ and walk in obedience to Him. This is the answer to having a great marriage, not blaming parents or others on how we are as an adult.
We are to be known for pouring love and grace upon others, yes, this even includes our parents. An ungodly world is watching us. Are we being salt and light or simply promoting the idea that Christians are no different than unbelievers? Was not Christ’s death on the cross and resurrection enough for you? Philippians 3:13-14 KJV
Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
|
|
How to Respond When Atheists Quote the Bible Out of Context
With grace, humility, and the Detective's Posture, you can help fight bad Bible interpretation and get people thinking more deeply about Christianity.
One of the most frustrating things for any Christian is dealing with that particular brand of atheism that is slanderous and hateful.
On the one hand, we often feel a sense of obligation to defend our Lord and levy a response to every objection.
On the other, we recognize that part of our command is to “redeem the time” (Eph. 5:16) and be responsible with the precious resources God has given us.
Navigating these waters has been a challenge for me over the years, and I am very much still a work in progress on this point.
There is a particular brand of anti-God slander that has the potential to lead Christians astray, and I think there’s fruitfulness in taking time to respond to some of these charges.
That is when atheists take the Bible out of context in an effort to claim it teaches something it does not.
We often see a statement like this: “Reading the Bible is what made me an atheist.” Or, “Want to become an atheist? Just read this book!” (Insert picture of the Bible.)
What they are trying to say is, “I read something in the Bible that was horrific and/or does not seem to make logical sense, so the reading of the Bible made me ultimately reject it.”
And to be clear, that is not impossible, for two reasons:
The Word of God divides. It separates the wheat from the chaff. It is no surprise to me that reading the Bible makes some people Christians and some people atheists.
There are legitimate critiques. While the Word of God is perfect, it is not as though there are no hard questions. There are very brilliant atheists who reject the Bible, and their answers deserve a response.
Overwhelmingly, at least in my experience, “Internet Atheists” don’t have either of these in mind.
Sure, they may be convinced that their concerns fall into category #2, but often they are little more than a result of the same trap well-meaning Christians can fall into: Context violations.
Hey, thank you SO MUCH for reading! Go ahead and get subscribed if you’re not already so you don’t miss anything.
✓
Above Reproach
As Christians, we are to be above reproach in our conduct. These words are a bit outdated, so if I could clarify what this means in plain terms:
To be above reproach simply means that even if someone disagrees with you at the deepest level, they shouldn’t have a leg to stand on when it comes to your character or the way you conduct yourself.
I would suggest, then, that you proceed with patience and grace in every conversation.
That doesn’t mean allowing yourself to be talked down to or rolled over like a steamroller.
What it does mean is that we should respond with the accurate assumption that God can change even this person’s heart if it is his perfect will.
And he wants your help to do it.
Be a Detective
Tactics by Greg Koukl should be required reading for Christians.
He explains how to approach conversations by being inquisitive and asking lots of questions for clarification. Please read his book; it is worth whatever time you invest (I’ve read it three times so far).
In a case where you recognize the Bible is being taken out of context by an atheist, and you have been given the opportunity to confront the context violation in gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15), approach with genuine curiosity.
An Example: Isaiah 45:7
In the KJV, this verse reads:
I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.
A typical deduction you might see an atheist make from this verse is something like this:
“Well, that makes it pretty plain, right? God created evil. That means God is responsible for evil. That means God is evil.
Since God is supposed to be the ground for moral perfection, and he is evil, he cannot be the ground of moral perfection. Therefore, God doesn’t exist and the Bible was written by mere humans.”
The Opposite Response
The response to this by most Christians, at least those with knowledge of apologetics and the skill to take a defensive posture, would begin addressing the context violation head-on and point out why the atheist has the verse wrong.
I’m suggesting you take a slower approach.
Why?
Well, for one, the approach I am going to suggest is an approach we see Jesus taking all of the time when he dealt with opposition.
His opposition was primarily the “religious establishment” if you will rather than atheism, but the principles still apply.
Secondly, we learn from the study of God’s world that human behavior is transformed primarily when someone comes to a realization for themself rather than having been “given” the realization by someone else.
Have you ever known someone who did not think an idea was good or actionable unless it was theirs? Those around people like that often get good at convincing them “it was their idea.”
By moving slower and asking questions that provoke thought, you just may be able to, as Greg says, “put a stone in their shoe.” That is, to make them start thinking.
You might ask a question like, “Do you know what the word “evil” means in this passage?”
And then, hush.
Let them explain how they came to their conclusions.
If they object to your question and point out how the word is simply “evil” and that it is “plain as day,” then ask them if they think it is possible for the meaning of a word to be obscured in translation when moving from one language to another.
If they answer “yes,” (and they should) then they’ve just admitted it is possible that a particular English translation of a word may not be able to fully communicate the idea in its original language.
Then, ask if that is possible in this instance.
If they say “no,” they are special pleading. That is, they are pining for an exception to the rule they just agreed to because it is inconvenient in this case.
Ask them to explain why that rule does apply in this case!
If they say “yes,” ask if they’ve taken time to see if that was the case in Isaiah 45:7.
Assessing the Conversation
You might wonder about a different scenario in which the person was able to answer your question with the correct interpretation of the verse.
In that case, the atheist would have arrived at the answer a Christian would give, and they would need to concede their point.
To be specific, the answer is:
The Hebrew word translated “evil” has the same meaning as the idea of “calamity.” The opposite of “peace.”
The context indicates the Lord’s point is that he is the creator of all and none stand beside him.
Note the fuller context by including verse 6:
so that all may know from the rising of the sun to its setting that there is no one but me. I am the LORD, and there is no other. I form light and create darkness, I make success and create disaster; I am the LORD, who does all these things.
So the verse is not saying that God is the creator of moral good and evil. It is saying that God is the creator and Lord of everything.
But “goodness” is not something he creates. If that were true, the goodness of God would fall on the horns of the Euthyphro Dilemma. He cannot “create” good, nor can he “create” evil.
God is good. He himself is the ground for moral goodness. Evil is anything that does not measure up to that standard of goodness. The antithesis.
Out of his love and compassion, God redeems us and legally reckons our sinful, evil hearts as righteous, and commits to the long game by transforming us from the inside out.
Shouldn’t YOU Know the Answer?
I hope you didn’t miss this point: It is certainly helpful that I used an example where I knew and had a good answer.
That sort of knowledge will help you have more productive spiritual conversations because it will boost your confidence.
However, you don’t have to be knowledgeable at all to “get into the game.” You will find that people often don’t have good reasons to believe what they do, and your task is to do little more than expose that and then offer them the gospel.
Sometimes, you may not even be able to get to the gospel, and that is okay.
So yes, you should know the answer. It will help. But you can begin having great conversations with a “detective” posture right now and having an impact for the Kingdom.
|
|
About Roger E. Fulk, Sr.
www.RogerFulk.com
www.BaptistChurchHistory
www.AWarningMinistry.com
Looking for truth?
SHARED WITH PUBLIC
Public - About Roger
Looking for truth? Find it in the Bible, the source of truth. John 14:6 Independent Bible Baptist.
About Roger: What do I do? . I am spending several hours a day studying Baptistic Theology, Christian Apologetics and current and historical events as they apply to Biblical principles. I am developing, what some people call, a “Warning Ministry”. Looking back, I have been doing that all my life. Researching, teaching and discerning the truth. This has always been my calling.
I research the research. Many of my sources are written by people who have dedicated and spent much of their entire lives writing and researching various subjects. In some cases writing books and preaching sermons that would be difficult for anyone to duplicate and certainly not in my lifetime. My passion is teaching and passing on resources and information to people to help others. http://www.proclaimanddefend.org/.../the-biblical.../
My purpose in maintaining this ministry is to biblically present the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, to teach what the Bible says about the many controversial issues today, to refute false teaching and teachers to include the false churches and the cults, and to help biblically train and disciple those that want to learn God's word.
Roger E. Fulk, Sr.
Please do not waste my time by attacking me for what I post. If you have a disagreement, present it briefly, clearly, respectfully, and scholarly.
And PLEASE....PLEASE read the article first!!
"Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. Let all your things be done with charity"
(1 Cor. 16:13-14)
About Roger E. Fulk, Sr.
www.RogerFulk.com
www.BaptistChurchHistory
www.AWarningMinistry.com
|
|
"ANSWERING FOOLS"
One year ago, today our oldest of two sons died at age 49 after a long battle from complications of cancer of a non-operable tumor from his large intestine to his pelvic bone including a surgical mistake that interfered with radiation and chemo treatments due to infections! .... I found myself 'pondering' this famous quote often in the past year: by Roger E. Fulk, Sr.
Dr. Barbara Mackoff, a psychologist, has met a lot of people like that, so many that she has written “Leaving the Office Behind” (Putnam. $12.95). “We’re giving too much at the office, and not enough for our families and our friends . . .”
"ANSWERING FOOLS"
“Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.” Proverbs 26:5
In 1966, while conducting meetings in Houston, Texas, a “no doctor, no medicine, no-get-sick” charismatic preacher harangued me with this question: “If you believe God lets you get sick and suffer, then why do you go to the doctor?” I ‘ quietly replied to obvious chicanery, “God lets darkness cover the earth at sundown, but I turn my electric lights on anyhow. According to your reasoning, I am to sit in darkness, because God caused it.” Later, as this man was leaving the church, I bade him farewell, with this challenge: “Remember, don’t ever turn your lights on when it gets dark and I’ll never go to the doctor when I’m sick. Is it a deal?” The only reply received was a puzzled half-smile. I purposely tailored my answer to comply with the instruction of our verse today.
Those who follow the absurd logic of this zealous pastor are rejecting what physical comfort and relief one may find in life (see Pro. 17:22; Jer. 30:13; Matt. 9:12; and Mark 6:31).
Years later, while again on furlough, I learned that this minister died a “horrible death of suffering” as a result of terminal cancer. Incidentally, he did go to the doctor and hospital. It is curious how God makes us eat our famous words. I have become rather professional at this!
Some of us simply get sick due to our silly negligence and not because God always drops it on our heads. The best view of our sufferings and sorrows is the heavenly one. — R.P.
Prepared by Roger Fulk, from the “Baptist Bread” October 16th, 2021 devotional by author DR. RANDY PIKE, Missionary Statesman, Greenville, SC. With permission from Tim Green, editor Baptist Bread.
|
|
"Saints Do Suffer"
"For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for
my name's sake. " Acts 9:16
In reality, the impossible teachings of some mixed-up
people slams straight into the face of what God has planned for some of His children, thus, unspeakable sufferings and
sorrows. At times their lot will fall into deep heartache,
frustration, pain and even certain physical sickness-or death. For this is their calling sent from above. At least one of Job's miserable comforters spoke the truth when he said, "Yet man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward" (Job 5:7). Later on in this drama we hear Job lament, "Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble." (Job 14:1)
Over the course of true religious history, God's response to the sufferings and problems of His people has never changed; " ... I will be with him in trouble; ... " (Psa. 91:15). There is a wonderful bright side to our fate in faith! It is true because God said so. A popular British preacher once said, "While truth puts her shoes on, a lie goes around the world."
Consequently, mass error concerning suffering, sickness and death is abundant. The prime danger lies in the fact that all of
these cunning doctrinal corruptions are so thoroughly
integrated with fragments of popular and basic Bible doctrines that it takes an experienced Christian, one highly skilled in God's Word, to detect the difference. It is on this very point that the cults make such easy prey of the sincerely interested
(but scripturally ignorant) masses. The truths they do preach and teach, so often have hidden hooks couched within the appealing bait. And history affirms the anxious masses swallow the bait. - R.P.
Prepared by Roger Fulk, from the “Baptist Bread” January 2, 2023 devotional by author DR. RANDY PIKE, Missionary Statesman, Greenville, SC. With permission from Tim Green, editor Baptist Bread.
|
|
SCRIBES AND PHARISEES - HYPOCRISY, RULES,
LEGALISM, MAN'S RESPONSIBILITY TO GOD -
ONE OF THE BEST TEACHINGS I HAVE HEARD
ON THIS SUBJECT IN A LONG TIME!
|
|
|
“God’s Holy House of Prayer”
“But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of
Israel. ” Psalms 22:3
A. W. Tozer said, “We need to learn how to worship to please the God who deserves it.” Those who don’t or won’t worship God in the beauty of holiness, invent other means of worship and claim that it pleases God. A lot of folk have quit smoking, drinking and a boat load of other sins and we call that worship, but really it is a form of or borders on pharisee-ism! I believe all of that stuff needs to be condemned and
eliminated, but that is not the end of living a life of worshiping the God who deserves to be worshiped. Many get out of the
bars, but they never get into the Bible, witnessing and worshiping as a forgiven sinner, thus, a redeemed saint! May we never worship what we used to be or even what we are now, but worship Him!
To say God is holy is almost elementary. He has instructed us to be holy, because He is the essence of holiness. God’s habitation in Old Testament days was the temple and the praises of Israel. Today our bodies are the temple of His holiness and our lives must show forth the holiness that indwells every believer. It is incumbent on us to praise God and when we praise Him-He will reside or abide in our praises! It is not mere emotion and often that gets in the way of the praise that is an affirmation of His greatness! Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised … is He! -T.G.
Prepared by Roger Fulk, from excerpts from the “Baptist Bread” December 27, 2022, devotional by author Dr. Tim Green, Revival In Our Time, Day Heights, OH. With permission from Tim Green, editor of Baptist Bread.
|
|
|
|
COMMENT:
"There is no substitute for an active relationship with God."
|
|
|
|
A Discipling Church Is a Reproving Church
May 22, 2019 Way of Life Literature, P.O. Box 610368, Port Huron, MI 48061
Available in print or as a free eBook from www.wayoflife.org.
__________
Outline
Christ’s Reproof
Paul’s Reproof
The Ministry of Reproof in Scripture
The Blessing of Godly Reproof
Effectual Reproof
Public and Private Reproof
The Ministry of the Body
A ministry of exhortation, reproof, rebuke, warning, and correction toward sin and error are necessary for making true disciples of Jesus Christ.
The ministry of loving reproof and correction is necessary for the type of atmosphere that produces disciples.
The Bible clearly emphasizes the necessity of this ministry.
“Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears” (Ac. 20:31).
“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them” (Eph. 5:11).
“Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus” (Col. 1:28).
“Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly...” (1 Th. 5:14).
“Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear” (1 Ti. 5:20).
“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (2 Ti. 4:2).
“This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith” (Tit. 1:13).
“These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee” (Tit. 2:15).
“As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent” (Re. 3:19).
But a biblical ministry of reproof is a neglected and grossly misunderstood ministry today.
A ministry of reproof is even thought to be strange and hurtful. A preacher told me recently, “You have a strange ministry,” referring to my reproof of erring pastors. Actually a ministry of reproof is strange only to those who have turned from Scripture.
To love righteousness is to hate sin, and to love truth is to hate error.
“Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way” (Ps. 119:128).
“Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good” (Ro. 12:9).
Christ said, “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten” (Re. 3:19).
John, the “apostle of love,” defined love as obedience. He said, “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous” (1 John 5:3).
Proverbs teaches us that the parent who does not chasten his child does not love him (Pr. 13:24). The same is true for a church leader. Those who do not reprove and correct the sheep do not love them. It would be like a shepherd who sees the sheep going astray but does nothing about it.
Further, a ministry of godly reproof is a ministry of spiritual growth and protection.
“Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus” (Col. 1:28).
“For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life” (Pr. 6:23).
Far from being harmful, a godly ministry of reproof and correction has the potential for great blessing. CONTINUED .... CLICK BELOW!
CLICK HERE FOR THE ENTIRE REPORT/ARTICLE:
|
|
This book examines the office of the pastor, the office of a deacon, and the church member’s relationship to pastors. It deals with the pastor’s call, qualification, authority, support, ordination, and discipline.
It contains an extensive and practical commentary on the standards of 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. It examines each major New Testament passage dealing with the relationship between pastors and church members. It looks at the extent of the pastor’s authority and the spiritual characteristics of his authority, as well as the responsibilities of church members.
The book also deals extensively with the office of a deacon: his work, authority, qualification, appointment, and reward. This is an extremely practical book that can be studied with profit by every church member. It gives many tips for dealing with problems that typically arise in churches.
For more on this subject see the following free eBook
at the Way of Life website - www.wayoflife.org
|
|
A few years ago, I received a letter from a young couple who exhorted me as follows:
“Your book on separation is very good, but you may want to add a caveat that a person must have a better church to separate to before he separates from a church. We were shocked at the liberal doctrines held by the fundamental churches in our city.”
Later they wrote to share more detail about the “liberal doctrines.” The following are specific things that they mentioned:
For more on this subject see the following free eBook
at the Way of Life website - www.wayoflife.org
Keys to Fruitful Church Membership
This book can help any church member be more “content” and fruitful in his relationship to a New Testament church. It is not an exhortation to ignore sin and error in churches, but it is a challenge to learn how to weigh issues in spiritual wisdom. The chapters include the following: The Importance of the Church, No Perfect Church, Keen Spiritual Discernment, Conviction vs. Preference, Avoiding Hypocrisy, Building the Church, Pastoral Authority, Grace.
|
|
|
David Cloud, Way of Life Literature, P.O. Box 610368, Port Huron, MI 48061
1. Balance means preaching the whole counsel of God.
Paul reminded the elders at Ephesus that he had declared to them “all the counsel of God” (Acts 20:27). This is the job of every preacher, but particularly of a pastor or a church planter. Every part of the Bible, every doctrine, is important. No preacher has the liberty to say “I will preach some doctrines, but the rest I am not responsible for,” or “I will just preach the gospel,” or “I will just focus on this particular topic” (the family, creation science, Bible versions, separation, contemplative mysticism, etc.).
Ever since God called me to preach, I have always been convinced of the importance of preaching and contending for the whole counsel of God. For our church planting ministry in South Asia I developed a Bible school curriculum to train preachers. We train them in the whole counsel of God. In 1993, I completed the Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity, which deals with every doctrine and nearly every word of the Bible. The book Things Hard to Be Understood, which we published in 1997, also seeks to deal with everything in the Word of God, including the most difficult parts. Our One Year Discipleship Course is the most thorough one in print, to my knowledge.
If balance means preaching the whole counsel of God, I am balanced.
Careful readers will note that even via the Fundamental Baptist Information Service we deal with a very wide variety of doctrines and issues. The current event items are not selected haphazardly. We do not emulate the Religious News Service in attempting to cover every major current event in “Christendom” or in the ecumenical or denominational worlds. One of our chief goals is to select events that illustrate doctrinal truths which are being attacked. We do not merely report on events and personalities and books and speeches. We analyze these with the Word of God and sound doctrine. We deal with the gospel, justification, the church, sanctification, prophecy, Christian living, biblical inspiration and preservation, and countless other aspects of biblical truth. We focus on the things that we feel are at the forefront of the devil’s attack upon the truth and upon New Testament churches today.
ADDITIONAL LEARNING/TEACHING RESOURCES WILL BE ADDED AS WE MOVE FORWARD
A WARNING - WOLF WATCH MINISTRY
|
|
|
|
David Cloud, Way of Life Literature, P.O. Box 610368, Port Huron, MI 48061
2. Balance means fulfilling the Great Commission.
The term “Great Commission” is not in the Bible, but there was a “great commission” given by the risen Christ to the apostles and through them to the churches. It is emphasized by the Holy Spirit in that it is repeated five times (Matthew 24; Mark 16; Luke 24; John 20; Acts 1). This commission is to preach the gospel to every creature and every nation, to baptize and disciple those who believe, which entails establishing sound New Testament congregations wherever the Word of God is spread. This commission is to be perpetuated until Christ returns. It is the general marching orders for the churches. We see the Great Commission fulfilled and exemplified in the lives of the apostles. They did not get entangled in political activity or in building social-justice movements. They gave themselves exclusively to the preaching of the gospel and the founding of churches that would perpetuate this Commission. Every God-called preacher is under obligation to give himself to the fulfillment of the Great Commission.
There is a “balance” defined for us here. Every preacher is to be busy preaching the gospel. Every preacher is to be busy discipling converts. Every preacher is to be involved in the establishment of sound churches. This does not mean that any one man will not be focused more or less on certain parts of the Commission. Gifts and calling are different. Philip the evangelist focused on the preaching of the gospel (Acts 8:5-40), while Barnabas focused on the establishment of the new disciples (Acts 11:19-26), but this is not to say that Barnabas did not preach the gospel to the unsaved or that Philip did not disciple believers. No preacher can say that God has not called him to evangelize the lost or that God has not called him to disciple the saved. No preacher has the authority to ignore the New Testament church and go about evangelizing or discipling apart from the church.
To be “balanced” means the preacher is seeking to do the whole work of the Great Commission.
If all I did was write articles for the Fundamental Baptist Information Service, and I did not seek to take the gospel to the unsaved and to disciple Christians and to be a fruitful member of a New Testament church, I would not be balanced. I do all of these things, though, and I always have. Obviously the Fundamental Baptist Information Service and O Timothy magazine take much of my time, but they are only two of the things I do. I believe this is what has kept my thinking and ministry on a very practical level. Theorizing and “theologizing” doesn’t interest me, because it doesn’t help anyone in a practical sense. I want to preach something that will help people. Preaching the Word of God for decades in one of the world’s poorest countries and in county jails tends to keep one’s feet on the ground.
|
|
|
|
ADDITIONAL LEARNING/TEACHING RESOURCES
WILL BE ADDED AS WE MOVE FORWARD
A WARNING - WOLF WATCH MINISTRY
|
|
"America!"
" ... choose you this day whom ye will serve; ... And the
people answered and said, God forbid that we should forsake
the LORD, to serve other gods;" Joshua 24:15b & 16
With apologies to our many readers in other lands, I write
today's article. Keep in mind my brothers and sisters in other
countries, if America goes much farther into a spiritual
wasteland, where will we all be? Heaven? Hallelujah!
Our country seems far less committed to godly principles
and precepts than the Jews in Joshua's day. If you have read
the pages and books of the Bible that follow the words of
faithfulness expressed in our verses today ... you know how far
from the Lord they wandered or fell!
It is not necessarily a foregone conclusion, but it is and has
been a determined progression in our lives, homes and
churches; let alone the world around us, to leave God out of the
equation of our decisions, obsessions and possessions. Our
nation has murdered babies by the multiplied millions, turned
the devils of Hell loose on our families with music, movies and
an immorality unprecedented outside of Sodom and
Gomorrah. May the godless "woke" folk go back to sleep is
my prayer! Our sad flag hangs lipid and longing for men and
women of integrity to once again be seated in the Halls of
Congress and the governor's mansions of states this election
season. Please vote today with God and His Word firmly fixed
in your heart, mind and soul. - T.G.
Prepared by Roger Fulk, from excerpts from the “Baptist Bread” November 9, 2022, devotional by author Dr. Tim Green, Revival In Our Time, Day Heights, OH. With permission from Tim Green, editor of Baptist Bread.
|
|
Hosea 4:6 "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge..."
"(People will not trust Christ & accept God's truth because they have hardened their hearts. A combination of preconceived notions, sin, & misinformation leads them to reject God. The H.S. is the truth-teller who opens their heart. We don't have to convince; just share and let God work on people. I always want to give it a shot. Don't give up on people God doesn't)". by Dan Nelson -
|
|
LANDMARK MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH
1409 W. MARKET STREET
HONEY GROVE, TX 75446
|
|
RECENT POST ON FACEBOOK:
"I really do NOT like unfriending or blocking fellow believers over issues we disagree about that do not affect our going to heaven or not, but when threads begin to breed more division and offense, Romans 16:17-18 seemed to tell me that was my best decision. We get nowhere trying to beat each other with having the last word, and other readers who may NOT be strong Christians or even unsaved are not helped by such divisive threads. In the future, I now realize the use of Private Messages is a better idea. I beg forgiveness from those I have NOT been a good testimony with over whatever I am adamant about that others may disagree with me about."
|
|
Why Critical Thinking is Important for Christians
(And How to Introduce it to Your Church)
"It's critical to think critically, but don't be critical of those who don’t." Steve Schramm
I have been in church my entire life. I don’t remember where, but I do remember once being told that Christians should not think critically,
because it’s never the right thing to be “critical” of others.
Oh boy, do we, as the church, still have our work cut out for us.
Thanks for reading Bible Nerd Society!
Subscribe for free to receive new posts.
|
|
START CLICKING BELOW AND START STUDYING!
|
|
A recent conversation with a pastor friend. 07/16/21, updated 4/25/22, and it seems to be getting worse! 10/17/22
I said, “The biggest problem I yet have is the fact that most of the time, I can’t find over one Baptist, especially pastors, in a room at the same time who has learned how to use proper Biblical interpretation, and agree with much of anything! I am trying to find out what appropriate Bible interpretation methods are, and no one seems to teach me! Sorry to go off on everyone… but I would like to learn!
I even have a group named “Warnings about Unbiblical Interpretations USING MODERN VERSIONS!”. Very few people seem to realize that everyone can’t have a different opinion and all be right, but many of them want to continue to argue and fight about it. Prophecy is the biggest joke with proper Bible interpretation, and I warn people about that too!
My pastor friend said, “Your observations are true- you have ten Baptists in a room and get 25 different opinions..... As for prophecy, wrong Eschatology is the common thread among all the false religion- it affects more than what most think.”
|
|
For centuries, America has had the liberty to have free speech. People could, without fear, voice their opinions. Churches unashamedly preached what the Bible said. Most clearly knew what was right and wrong, as it was taught and practiced in homes, schools, government, and churches.
Although free speech was a taken-for-granted freedom, some areas of wrongdoing were taboo. Those actions were not even mentioned because the majority knew right from wrong.
Slowly, a change happened. Since radical, immoral opinions and behaviors were not usually accepted, outcry, when they did occur, was minimal.
Since there was little resistance to once unaccepted thoughts and behavior, more realized they could break moral barriers and get away with voicing and living the way their lusts and likes lead them. As more vocalized once unaccepted practices, more heard and contemplated the once forbidden sins. Soon, radical behaviors, beliefs, and opinions spread throughout the country.
Boldness to commit once ridiculed and unthought-of practices spread from one to another. In time, degraded morals spread through the land like a plague. No longer was homosexuality, drug use, deserting families by divorce, lying, politically controlling school children’s upbringing, abortion, breaking laws, and doing whatever felt good even questioned. In many places, laws were ignored to further allow what was once shunned to continue. Sin rampaged throughout the nation.
Since the nation’s morality change was gradual, an entire generation became accustomed to the new “morality.” When that group became parents, they were not troubled when their children also accepted and even practiced the new standards.
Many were busy with their lives and earning an income to obtain what they wanted. Those who did remember what used to be right and wrong made little outcry about the changes in society.
Pulpits that once boldly blasted what God’s Word clearly defined as sin hesitated in reminding their congregations of God’s standards. Worldly brain-washing continued, and churches seldom opposed the new “normal.” Over time, few ministries remained to remind people of God’s standards.
Confusion about what was “right” and “wrong” became cloudier. People with lifestyles that would not have been acceptable decades previously became leaders, teachers, preachers, and socially recognized “heroes” of the changing society.
Over decades, those with millennia-held biblical standards were now the social outcasts. A growing majority now looks down upon those that will not tolerate or accept sin. What once was recognized as iniquity has become acceptable, and “good” is now seen by many as “bad.”
Names were created to negatively label those that would not accept the new “morality.” Those adhering to biblical morals were now branded as “hateful,” anti-politically correct, anti-environmental, ignorant (because they did not think like the masses), social terrorists, and many more demeaning titles.
Freedom of speech is slowly removed from society. Some that hinted at holding onto past social beliefs are now having their employment threatened, dismissed from schools, not allowed in certain sports, and castigated from even vocalizing their opinion.
Pressures to make more conform to the new morality is even spreading throughout the world. The growing insistence on rejecting the old morality is not unlike the Nazi movement before World War II.
Unstopped, this growing out-of-control movement will further divide and destroy freedoms all take for granted. Changing centuries of beliefs and practices will probably not be diverted by any political or public outcry.
Those that discarded and disobeyed God’s Words have suffered a significant loss while on this Earth and will face devastation in eternity. No nation or people has ever prospered when the commandments of God were not obeyed.
“And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.” Luke 16:15
“Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” Isaiah 5:20
There is still hope, however, if only for individuals. That hope is to recognize what is right and wrong. Society’s definition changes constantly and cannot be relied upon. However, there is a source God labored to save that identifies truth and what is right and wrong. It is His Word, the Bible.
It has been the guideline for previous millennia. Guidance from it has improved lives, even those that many thought had no hope. Families have been reunited after adhering to its laws. Those with no hope have gained insight and flourished. Nations abiding by His commandments have prospered and been blessed. Obedience to God’s commandments is the only solution for improving the current “mess” in society.
In your lifetime, have you seen how our society is degraded? Common sense is no longer common. Right is wrong, and wrong is right. Good is now evil, and evil is now acceptable. Most likely, there will not be a great revival changing the minds and actions of multitudes, but you can change.
Dive into the Bible. Find what God defines as right or wrong. Follow His way no matter if it is unpopular or the price you may have to pay to do what God says is “right.” Living God’s way is the only hope we and our society have!
“And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15
|
|
START CLICKING BELOW AND START STUDYING!
ALL THE ABOVE SEARCHES WERE PERFORMED USING:
|
|
CLICKABLE LINKS ARE ADDED FOR YOUR FURTHER STUDY OF
EACH OF THE SUBJECTS BELOW:
Accessed from www.AWarningMinistry.com
Page 444, “The Discipling Church: The Church That Will Stand until Jesus Comes”.
|
|
"Three Big Needs
To read study learn everything else …."
Roger Fulk May 2, 2019,
(1) Need to read and study and believe and apply the King James Bible.
(2) Need to study true Baptist Church History.
(3) Need to learn the proper methods of Biblical Interpretation.
If we learn the truth, the lies will stick out like a sore thumb!
IF WE STUDY AND LEARN THE TRUTH … THEN THE LIES WILL STICK OUT LIKE A ‘SORE THUMB” … IF YOU ARE A BORN-AGAIN BELIEVER IN CHRIST INDWELLED
BY THE HOLY SPIRIT AND HAVE DISCERNMENT! … I Corinthians 2:14
CLICKABLE LINKS ARE ADDED FOR YOUR FURTHER STUDY OF
EACH OF THE SUBJECTS BELOW:
Accessed from www.AWarningMinistry.com
Page 444, “The Discipling Church: The Church That Will Stand until Jesus Comes”.
|
|
Dangers to A Church
The actual church is the believers of Christ wherever they may be. If a believer is at home, that is where the church is. When the born-again child of God goes to the supermarket, that is where the church is.
“For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” I Corinthians 3:9
“Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” I Peter 2:5“
And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” II Corinthians 6:16
However, a physical church is an important place where believers meet to hear the Word of God’s teachings, a place to worship Him, and where they can be encouraged to serve and live for the Lord. The building is a recognized place where most know they should be able to hear what the Bible teaches. Many attend, and because of the preaching and teaching, decide to be born again into God’s family.
There are many dangers to the health and life-changing ministry that pastors and church attendees should be wary. Because of the local church’s importance, it faces many threats that could harm its role to the cause of Christ. Some demolishers that can weaken or destroy a God-honoring and obeying ministry include:
- Using “bibles” that have changed or water-down what the preserved Word of God teaches. There are over 350 different versions in the English language alone, each teaching something different after verses have been altered or deleted.
- “Bibles” labeled as “new versions” should signal to a Christian that God is not now just giving us His Word. It has been around since Old and New Testament times. God has preserved it for earlier believers, and it is safely kept for today’s Christians.
- For English-speaking people, every word God had prophets, leaders, and men of God pen still has every “jot and tittle” (Matthew 5:18) preserved in the King James version. Changing His words has weakened and destroyed many ministries.
To learn more why the KJV should be used for those speaking English, please view:
(Use the right arrow key to go through the presentation)
- A lack of unbiblical doctrines taught and preached. A ministry will weaken and not grow if opinions are taught rather than “thus saith the Word of God.” God preserved His Word because it will change lives and even societies. His will and way will never change and it is recorded in His Word.
- A lack of desire and attempts to reach others with the Gospel. One essential goal of a Bible-obeying ministry should be to reach the lost so they can be saved. If they are not sought and taught, there will be little growth in a ministry. Too many churches are spiritually dead, as they are no longer a “saving station” nor a hospital for the spiritually wounded.
- Unqualified or uncalled leadership in a church. The Bible clearly defines the qualifications of church pastors and deacons (I Timothy 3:2-13). Those in charge that should not be instructing or preaching will also weaken and destroy a ministry.
- “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.” Act 20:28
- Undealt with sin within the church. The Bible warns of sin throughout its pages. When sin is not preached against or is tolerated, the hand of God will be off that ministry!
- Those sowing discord among the brethren. Gossip against the preacher, teachers, and anyone within the ministry can also weaken and hurt a church.
- “These six things doth the LORD hate… 19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.” Proverbs 6:16-19
- Home Bible study groups. Attending a local church every time its doors are open and one’s personal Bible study should be the primary sources of spiritual feeding. The intention of having extra Bible studies sounds edifiying, but they often can result in being hotbeds for “sowing discord” against the brethren and teaching false doctrines. Even a diet of television and radio preaching can sometimes sow disagreement against what one’s church is preaching from God’s Word. Division can occur in a church because of those influences.
- Covid and other infectious diseases. If you cannot attend because of health issues, do your best to stay in contact with your local church leaders and members. Although we do not want to spread disease to other church members, separation from other believers and being part of a local ministry can weaken and slowly kill a local church. Lack of attendance also discourages the preacher and teachers and disheartens other church members.
A local Bible-believing, Scripture-obeying ministry is an essential need for children of God and surrounding communities. Lives have been improved, souls saved, and sin stopped by a church’s outreach and influence.
A church’s usefulness can easily be destroyed by allowing it to be weakened by many of the mentioned dangers. Do your best to keep its doors wide open so God’s will and way can be preached and practiced. If its doors are closed and its message weakened, how will the nearby people know God’s truths? Who will tell them if the local ministry is too weak to help?
“When the Devil saw that persecution would not stop the church, he changed to a different tactic. He joined the church. He began to hurt the church from the inside. He still does that today. He attacks the validity of the Word of God, and he tries to discredit the Gospel. If that doesn’t work, he tries to discredit the man who preaches the Gospel, as he tried to discredit Paul.” — J. Vernon McGee
|
|
Friend or Foe?
Share Biblical Truths with Others...
“Friend or foe?” wondered the crew as they peered through the wandering wisps of pea-soup fog. They could only guess about the ship they were approaching.
Closer and closer, they came to the many-masted vessel. Not all of her sails were unfurled as she also poked her way through the mist.
The clanging of her ship’s bell rudely broke the silence. Soon mumbles of shouted orders could be vaguely heard. A question still puzzled most of the approaching crew. Was this heavily cannoned ship they were nearing a friend or enemy?
As the English vessel inched to the starboard of the unknown ship, a mate called out that he thought he saw enemy insignia on the jib as it fluttered into the murky mist.
Another quickly countered the alarm by stating, “She’s English. See her banner!” Soon, many leaned over the rail and saw the same insignia their vessel had raised.
Quickly, the captain got the word. “She’s friend,” was bellowed. Great relief went through the crew. The ship’s whistle called the alarm off. Cannons were pulled back off the rail. There was no need for alarm, as the approaching vessel was a friend. They thought.
Soon they were alongside this strange vessel. The crew lined the rail to wave and shout welcomes.
What a terrifying retort the approached ship replied with as her double-decks of cannons flashed an unwelcome reply. It was an enemy ship.
As the tricked vessel was ravished by a close-range barrage of cannon shot, her decks and rigging were soon destroyed. Rigging and masts came crashing down and claimed many lives. It was not long before she started taking on water and lisped to her starboard. She was going down.
“But she was a Britt,” gasped a confused, wounded sailor. Through the fog, he got a closer picture. The enemy’s vessel had lowered her English banner and now ran a different standard up the mast. It was the pirate skull and bones. Pirates had ambushed them.
The false banner of one who claimed to be a Christian or of the same stripe has fooled many a preacher, youth leader, Christian school teacher, and church member. It was discovered that they were not or were of different standards and beliefs than they led others to believe.
In a ministry, those with false doctrines do get in. Some deliberately force their ideology on an unknowing, undiscerning membership. Sometimes there is no motive or intention. They may not even know that they’re not the same as others. Sometimes they are not Christians and think they know better than the pastor and others. No matter how or why they infiltrated the lines, they can do a lot of destruction to members and a church. Many churches have learned this truth, as a church was split and the work for the Lord was devastated.
How can one discern that all that claim to be of Christ are? There are biblical guidelines to help one discern, but before they are put under that scrutiny, it is best to wait.
Many ministries have a weakness in this area. The need for helpers and workers in a work is so great that the first willing, warm body through the door gets utilized for a ministry opening. Little consideration of the volunteer’s spiritual soundness and maturity is evaluated before handing them a ministry position. They are moved into place so quickly that steady church attendance, doctrinal agreement, and spiritual growth have not had adequate time to be verified.
Soon they are involved, excited, fervent, and eager, but only for a short time. Some cannot maintain the pace required of them. They miss a week here or there. They may even whisper disapproval to others about their labors. These workers had no time to prepare and be strengthened spiritually.
Although the admonition applies to the qualifications of a preacher, I Timothy 3:6 gives good advice about one getting into the ministry: “Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.”
One should be grounded, strengthened, and trained before stepping onto the spiritual battlefield. Too many go into the fray unprotected, unpracticed, and unprepared. As a result, they get wounded and are out of service before they can begin.
After I was saved, the Lord made it clear that He wanted me to teach. I couldn’t wait to teach. I quickly bounded over to the preacher for my first assignment. His wise words were, “Wait. Start attending every church service. Study your Bible and learn what He has for you. Then if you still feel that’s what the Lord wants you to do, come to see me in one year!”
“One year!” I was shocked and discouraged. I wanted it now; however, I did as the preacher suggested. I was at his door one year later and received my first church ministry.
I did not like the wait. To be honest, I got a little mad at the preacher. Now, however, I appreciate the pastor’s discernment of my spiritual immaturity and his deep respect for having the ministry occupied by the right leader. My waiting also showed him how serious I was about the position, and I was better prepared when it was offered.
The Bible advises us to discern if one is what he says he is. Their “fruits” must be observed. “Fruits,” in this context, refers to what is spiritually produced. A godly person will be righteous and do things approved of by his Father.
When one is genuinely saved, the evidence is not hard to discover. Church attendance, Bible reading, and an interest in the things of God will be natural. All these are some fruits that can be expected from a Christian. Attitudes, convictions, involvements in the right things, and separation from the wrong things will be fruit that can easily be observed.
In Florida, there was an excellent example of how hard it is to discern “fruit.” During the killing frosts of the 1980s, many orange trees died. The top of the tree died off almost immediately, but the graft, close to the root, soon sprouted up another orange tree.
Within years, the tree was producing fruit. The leaves were the same, and the fruit looked like a juicy orange. When the fruit was sliced open and tasted, it was quickly realized that it was sour and unfit for consumption. Looks were deceiving, but its true character was revealed when the fruit was closely inspected, not just the tree.
“Well, all this talk about discerning another’s fruits is judgmental, and I’ll have no part of it,” some may mutter. Matthew 7:1, “Judge not, that ye be not judged,” is often quoted. It usually gets some nervous about discerning one’s testimony.
When the verses toward the end of that chapter are read, one will find three things we are to judge. They include false messages (Matthew 7:15), false fruits (verse 16), and false hopes for Heaven (verse 21). We are to know if things are righteous, of God, and His will for our lives. How can that be accomplished without discerning?
Of the 15 times “fruits” are used in the New Testament, 11 are clearly about observing another’s spiritual testimony. When one’s spirituality is viewed and evaluated, getting the right person in the proper position will be easier.
Wait, closely observe, and one’s “banner” will clearly be revealed. Waiting may save time and heartache for the Christian, as well as for the ministry.
|
|
WHAT ARE THE SUBJECTS THAT CAUSE MOST OF THE CONFUSION?
The following keyword searches
will help to start learning.
ALL THE ABOVE SEARCHES WERE PERFORMED USING:
|
|
“FABLE: New Translations are needed to bring the archaic Old English language up to date.
People have trouble understanding the language of the King James Bible.FACT: The King James language is NOT hard to understand. Most of the so-called “archaic” words are explained by the context of the passage or by comparing the passage with other passages in the Bible where the same word is used. Heady and high-minded people resent the King James language because it is plain and simple, and it isn’t in tune with their high-minded vocabulary. In fact, the Grade Level Indicator of the Flesch-Kincaid research company says the King James language is EASIER to understand than the new versions. We certainly agree that the language of the King James Bible is a unique language, but why shouldn’t it be? It’s the WORD OF GOD!” James L. Melton, James L. Melton, Fables and Facts about the King James BibleView insights50 post reach
Bill Taylor 8/24/22 Well put. God wrote the Bible to teach us how to be saved (Jn. 3:16-18) so that we can produce the Fruit of the Spirit in this life (Gal. 5:22, Eph. 5:9), win the lost (Mt. 28:19-20, Mk. 16:15-16), and live forever in Heaven with Him in the next life. Satan confused Eve by asking “hath God said (Gen. 3:1)” and tries to corrupt our minds from the “simplicity that is in Christ (2 Cor. 11:3).” We must use the Bible which properly explains the mind of God.John 3:18 tells us that we are condemned if we do not believe on Jesus, the only begotten Son of God. We must believe that Jesus was born and lived as a perfect, sinless man who was God in the flesh. 2 Corinthians 5:21 teaches that Jesus suffered the punishment for all sins every person ever committed or would commit. Hebrews 9:22 teaches that sin cannot be paid for or be forgiven without shedding blood. We must believe that Jesus, who was God in the flesh, died on the cross to shed His perfect blood to wash away our sins.God required a perfect sacrifice to pay the penalty for our sins. The Law of Moses required sacrificing unblemished, healthy, valuable animals as an atonement for their sins and as a preview of the coming Savior. Malachi 1:8 tells of God’s anger at being offered inferior animals. 1 Peter 1:19-21 explains that Jesus was the perfect sacrifice. He lived a sinless life which fulfilled Moses’ law (Mt. 5:18, Luke 21:32). An imperfect Jesus could not pay the penalty for our sins.Christians need a Bible that declares that Jesus was both man and God in the flesh and became the perfect sacrifice to pay the price for all our sins as the KJV does. Other versions come from different Greek manuscripts, but we needn’t study Greek to see if a version teaches a perfect Jesus who was God in the flesh, whose blood was shed to wash away our sins, and whose resurrection shows His power over death (1 Cor. 15).The RSV, ESV, and NASB read “their purification… ( Lk. 2:22)” because the corrupt Greek from which they were translated uses the third person plural male pronoun which refers to Jesus and Joseph, and not to Mary. This makes no sense: Moses’ Law says that a mother needed purification after giving birth, not the baby or the father. What’s worse, a Jesus who needed purification could not be a perfect sacrifice and His imperfect blood could not save anyone. These versions teach “another Jesus (2 Cor. 11:4)” who cannot save.The NIV dodges the gender issue, “When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses…” That is not translation; it’s a dodge to avoid an error in the manuscript.We also see the substitution of hos (he) for theos (God) in Paul’s letter to Timothy:And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God (theos) was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. I Timothy 3:16The NIV, ESV, NASB, and the RSV refer to “he (hos)” being manifest or revealed in the flesh instead of God. A man being seen in a human body is not a mystery – anyone born of woman is manifest or revealed or seen in the flesh. The mystery is God appearing in a human body that suffered hunger, weariness, and pain.Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 2Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 3And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. I John 4:1-3Newer versions “confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh” so they are not of God. Weakening the doctrine of God-ordained salvation through a perfect sacrifice of God how appeared in the flesh and walked among the people in a human body is condemned in Revelation 22:19. This is not of God; it is “that spirit of antichrist.” Such beliefs were common in John’s day.These versions teach an imperfect Jesus who was not God in the flesh and cannot save! That’s heresy.Those who say that only a few passages are changed and there is evidence for Jesus’ perfection in other places must consider Satan’s devices (2 Cor. 2:11). Newer versions must make enough changes to get a copyright so the gospel becomes weaker and weaker with each one. Satan can’t destroy the Word of God but he has a long-term plan to grow so many weeds and so much confusion around it that few will find it.God’s Rules for JudgingWe are told how to judge those who speak about God or about his Works:Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 16Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Matthew 7:15-20Modern versions are based on the Codex Sinaiticus and Vaticanus manuscripts promoted by Westcott and Hort in the late 1800s. The fruits of using these manuscripts must be compared with what God gives us:For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. I Corinthians 14:33Debating what God said has brought confusion and lack of peace. This tells us all we need to know:He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth. Luke 11:23There are only two sides. God is not the author of confusion so we know where confusion comes from.Newer versions are copyrighted. You can’t quote them without permission! Having to ask a man for permission to quote the Word of God is just plain wrong (Acts 8:20)!Memorization EndedChristians stopped memorizing the Word of God as they became confused about what God really said. Memorization will be vital when persecution comes. Early Christians identified each other by quoting part of a verse and having the other person complete it. Going back and forth a few times identified believers.Persecution is coming to America. The Colorado Civil Rights Division has ruled that a Christian baker can’t refuse to write a pro-homosexual “marriage” message but a baker that supports same-sex “marriage” can turn down a pro-Biblical marriage message because the Bible is hateful and bigoted.Päivi Räsänen, a member of parliament, and Bishop Juhana Pohjola of the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Mission faced hate speech charges after Räsänen wrote and Pohjola published a pamphlet about “biblical marriage.” The court ruled that although their statements could offend, the purpose was to explain religious teaching, which was protected. The fact that the case was brought at all shows the danger.The fish symbol is so common on bumper stickers that we can’t use it as a secret password. We’ll have to go back to quoting scripture. People seeking to persecute us will have to memorize enough of the Bible to fool us, and studying it may lead them to salvation! The KJV is the best-known and time-tested version. That’s one of many reasons we use the KJV.
|
|
“For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (2 Timothy 3:6,7) These women are easily led astray because they spend their lives watching soap operas, TV shows like The Bachelor, read trashy romance novels, and learn from false female preachers. They have no wisdom nor discernment.
You see, they think they’re learning since they love these many false female teachers who claim to be Christians but teach fables. There are many, many of them: Sheila Gregoire, Beth Moore, Lisa Bevere, Priscilla Shrier, and Ann Voskamp to name a few. Any woman who gets behind a pulpit during a Sunday morning church service and preaches is a false teacher, women. Any women who teaches what 20,000 women surveyed think rather than teach what the Bible teaches is a false teacher. Our culture has produced women who call themselves Christians but are seekers of pleasure rather than seekers of God.
“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned into fables” (2 Timothy 4:3,4).
There’s a man named Anthony Johnson who is not a Christian. He has lived much of his life as a playboy. He has a huge following on YouTube and holds yearly conferences in Florida. He loves what I teach. He interviewed me on his YouTube channel for two hours. He asks me every year to speak at his conference. Now, why does he love what I teach as an unbeliever but many women who call themselves Christians hate what I teach? It’s because Anthony can clearly see how corruptive feminism has been upon women. He sees the beauty of the Lord’s ways, yet many silly women laden with sins cannot see the destruction that feminism is causing in their own lives, in the culture, and even in the churches.
The biggest reason why there are so many women who are being deceived by these female teachers is because they aren’t studying the Word of God. They study all of the latest fashions, Hollywood gossip, and learn from false teachers rather than learn from the living Word of God. This is why they are always learning but never able to come to the knowledge of the Truth. When I speak out against their favorite false teacher, they become angry and give me all of the Bible verses that they think prove that God’s clear commands to women are false. This is what these false teachers are teaching them. They are being led astray and down the wrong paths.
Stop learning from them, women! “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.” (2 Timothy 2:15-17).
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
2 Timothy 3:16
|
|
ADDITIONAL LEARNING/TEACHING RESOURCES
WILL BE ADDED AS WE MOVE FORWARD
A WARNING - WOLF WATCH MINISTRY
|
|
by Bruce Lackey (1930-1988)
The thing I want to talk to you about tonight is Christian clothing. What do we mean when we say "Christian clothing"? Is that some particular article? No, we can't hang a particular suit or a particular dress up here tonight and say this is Christian. Rather, there are five questions that you need to ask yourself to answer the question, "What kind of clothing should I wear?" There are five questions, and I am going to support these by God's Word.
I hope you will get these down, because you are going to face this all your life. Fashions are going to change and new things are going to be brought out all the time. There is no use in me making up a list of what is good and what is not, because that would change next year. So these five principles from God's Word will help you to decide every single item, whether it be right or wrong to wear, male or female, adult or child.
IS IT WORN BY THE OPPOSITE SEX?
The first question is this: Is it worn by the opposite sex? Turn back to Deuteronomy 22:5 for our beginning. Here is our first principle. When I am trying to decide whether or not I should wear a certain thing, my first question is "Is that item worn by the opposite sex?" In other words, I as a man should not wear anything that a woman would wear. And a woman should not wear anything that a man would wear.
"The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God."
I am well aware of the fact that people resent using this verse because it is in the Old Testament. And many times people say we can't use that verse unless we are going to use the whole chapter. For instance, we wouldn't want to use verse nine. A lot of people violate that verse by planting two or three different kinds of seeds in the same plot of ground. Similarly, we've all violated verse eleven about wearing garments with different kinds of cloth. Nearly everything we have on is made out of a weave of different things. So how can we take verse five and not take verse nine or verse eleven?
Here is the principle for rightly dividing the Word of Truth: any principle found in the Old Testament which is repeated in the New Testament is for us today.
Let me prove that to you. Keep your place at Deuteronomy and go over to 1 Corinthians 10. In 1 Corinthians 10 we have a book written by a grace preacher. Nobody can deny that the Apostle Paul was a grace preacher. He preached that we're not under the law but under grace, and he wrote about that time and time again. Without a doubt he is a New Testament preacher. But I want you to notice that in this entire chapter of 1 Corinthians 10 he constantly uses the Old Testament Scripture to prove something. Look at verses one and two: "Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea." That was taken from Exodus 13 and 14, in which passage we read about the cloud, and about the Red Sea parting, and how they walked across on dry land, which was similar to being baptized. They were covered with the water, even though not a drop of it touched them. Paul is referring to the Old Testament. Look at verse three: "And did all eat the same spiritual meat." That refers to Exodus 16, when God gave the manna from Heaven. That was called spiritual food. Verse four: "And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ." That refers to Exodus 17, when Moses took his rod and struck the rock, and God gave gushing water out of that flinty rock.
Notice that he is referring to several Old Testament incidents. Verse five: "But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness." That is referring to Numbers 13 and 14. They refused to go into the land of Israel and inherit it, and they said, "We can't take it," and so God overthrew them in the wilderness. Many of them died.
Now look at verse six. "Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted." You see. It's not wrong to use the Old Testament to teach New Testament Christians to do something right. Paul did it.
Let's keep on going. Verse seven: "Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play." Here he refers to Exodus 22:6. The Apostle says, "Don't you be like that." Verse eight: "Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand." That is talking about Numbers 25. Verse nine: "Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents." That is talking about Exodus 17. You remember about the brazen serpent being raised in the middle of the camp, and so on.
Look at verse ten: "Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer." That is found in Exodus 15, 16 and 17, among many other places; they murmured several times.
Now look at verse eleven: "Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come." Two times in this chapter, in verse six and in verse eleven, he tells us without a doubt that those Old Testament writings were for us today. It is a foolish and fictitious objection when someone says that we can't use the Old Testament for us today. Here he very clearly outlines verse after verse, experience after experience in the Old Testament, to prove something that Christians ought to do right now. And that's not the end. In the rest of the chapter he does it again and again.
We can go by the Old Testament. What is our rule? Any Old Testament principle repeated in the New Testament is for us today. Now you won't ever find a New Testament verse that says observe the sabbath day. That is the reason we don't do it. You won't find any New Testament verse that says we are to kill an animal and have a blood sacrifice. That's the reason we don't do it. But anything commanded in the Old Testament and repeated in the New Testament is for us today.
Having examined 1 Corinthians 10 to establish that principle, we now come to chapter 11 where he refers to the appearance of man and woman. Specifically he talks about hair, but very clearly in 1 Corinthians 11 the Apostle says that the man and the woman ought to have their appearance different. Notice verses four and five: "Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head. But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven."
You see what he is saying? There is to be a difference between man and woman when they pray or prophesy. There is to be a difference. That is the same principle we saw back in Deuteronomy 22:5—"The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment..." It is the same idea.
Paul goes on to talk about the length of the hair. Notice verses fourteen and fifteen: "Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him? But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering." Once again he underscores the principle that the appearance of men and women is to be different. Consequently, we have the same principle in Deuteronomy 22:5 repeated right here in the New Testament.
Let me share something with you that is very interesting. I have in my library a book called The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge. It is one of the most beneficial books I have ever owned. It is simply a book of parallel references, just like the center reference column you have in your Bible, but it is greatly expanded. This book was printed over one hundred years ago, back when they weren't having many of the problems we are having today with women wearing men's clothes, and vise versa. So you couldn't say they were prejudiced about this subject when they put the cross references in that volume. The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge at Deuteronomy 22:5 has a parallel reference of 1 Corinthians 11:3-14. That's interesting, isn't it? You know what that proves? It proves that men that study the Bible, not just in our day but years ago, have seen that 1 Corinthians 11 contains the same principle that is stated in Deuteronomy 22:5.
I don't hesitate to use Deuteronomy 22:5 to prove that women ought not to wear men's clothes, and men ought not to wear women's clothes, any more than I would hesitate to use Psalm 23 at a funeral. You see, the truths are repeated in the New Testament.
I was also interested in what I found in the Keil and Delitzsch commentary regarding this matter. That commentary was first printed more than a hundred years ago. Charles Spurgeon refers to Keil and Delitzsch. Yet Keil and Delitzsch say that Deuteronomy 22:5 was written to maintain the sanctity of the distinction of the sexes which was established by the creation of man and woman. In other words, anybody who reads the Bible can see that all the way through in every age and every testament God has said that He wants men and women to look different. Consequently we ought not to wear clothing that applies to the opposite sex.
Of course, the main issue that we are facing here is the matter of pants on women. It matters not what you call them, whether blue jeans or slacks or pant suits. It is a main problem today. People like to argue about this. They say you can't condemn pants on a woman unless you are going to say that women can't wear belts, because men wear belts. Likewise you would have to say that women can't wear
What do we say about this? Consider some simple things to keep in mind. First, we are talking about the obvious. We're not talking about some hidden thing, like a belt, that doesn't have anything to do with the sex of the person, that doesn't have anything to do with the body.
Second, what do you look like when you wear these clothes? What do you look like from a distance? You've had the same experience that I've had of being out in public and seeing somebody at a distance and not being really sure if that person is a male or a female. You can't tell by the clothes, because girls wear pants just like boys do. They wear T-shirts just like boys do. The boys often have their hair just as long as the girls [or the girls' just as short as the boys'], so you look at someone from a distance and you often cannot tell if the person is a male or a female. The only way you can tell is to look at those portions of the body that distinguish between male and female, and by the way, that is the Devil's reason behind all of it. That is what he wants you to look at. He doesn't want you to look at somebody's head; he wants you to look other places. That is one of the things that makes this so wrong, and we need to see that. We should not wear clothing which at a distance would make anybody wonder whether we are male or female.
The best place to start on this is when the child is born. If you start when the child is born, you won't ever have to make any changes. If you don't start then, you'll always be wondering when you should make this change. Just start right in the beginning. Cut the baby boy's hair like a boy's hair should be cut, and don't put feminine clothes on him. Put pants on him. And if it is a girl, don't put pants on her; put a dress on her.
You see, all these questions that people argue about can be settled just by plain old common sense. The principle is to let the appearance be different enough that folks won't have any doubt. That's the way to answer it all. You don't have to get everybody's O.K. on this piece of clothing, or that one, just draw the line and determine to wear something that no one will ever have a doubt about. It's going to look like man's clothing. It's going to look like women's clothing.
What about women working out in the field? What about women working in factories? What about women who have to climb ladders? Don't they need something modest? Yes, they do need something modest. I used to see women out in the field picking cotton and so on. I used to see them wear overalls, but I also saw some of them put dresses on over their overalls. That was a common thing when I was a boy. Now I know that some of them didn't wear dresses over their overalls. Some of them did other things that were wrong, too. You know, too, there are some other things to wear, such as culottes, which are just as modest and still look feminine. That's what you ought to wear. If you can't buy any, get a sewing machine and learn how to sew. It's worth the expense and trouble to make that adjustment if you are going to have convictions.
Do not wear clothing that the opposite sex wears. And if you are in doubt about it, just don't and you will be safe. Just make sure that what you wear identifies you as a male or as a female, and not in a way that a person would have to look at the tempting zones of the body to tell whether you are a male or female. That is what the Devil wants you to do, and surely you don't want to cooperate with the Devil on this matter.
WHAT DOES IT MAKE OTHERS THINK OF ME?
Here is the second question you need to ask yourself about Christian clothing: What does it make others think of me? Lest you say it doesn't matter what other people think, let me read a verse or two of Scripture, and then let me read you some illustrations from modern literature which say that it does matter. In Proverbs 7:10 the Scripture has a warning to a young man against immorality: "And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart." God is warning about a woman dressed like a harlot. Now the question we ask is how is a harlot dressed? Have you ever seen a program on television in which they show a woman posing as a prostitute? If you have watched any of the police shows you see that. She may be a prostitute; she may be posing as one; she may be an undercover agent; she may be the hero; she may be the victim; she may be the bad guy, whatever. You have seen that and you know how they are dressed. You know exactly that she is a prostitute before they ever tell you. Of course, they don't use that term; they use the word "hooker." Perhaps you have seen a television news broadcast which shows these women on the streets as they're out searching for business. All you have to do is look at the way they are dressed. The bad thing about that is some Christian people dress the same way. Now, you don't want anybody to think that about you. You might wonder if people really think that about you. Yes, they do.
Here's an article from McCall's magazine. McCall's is not a Christian magazine. The editors are not trying to defend the Christian faith or propagate the Bible. Here's an article in McCall's magazine entitled "What Your Intimate Behavior Says About You." I'm going to read this. It may be offensive to some, but the words are not nearly as offensive as the way some people dress. We need to be honest and frank about this thing. It's not going to be vulgar, but plain. The writer says,
"The female legs have also been the subject of considerable male interest as sexual signaling devices. The mere exposure of leg flesh has been sufficient to transmit sexual signals. Needless to say, the higher the exposure goes the more stimulating it becomes for the simple reason that it then approaches the primary genital zone."
That's what it's all about folks, and we had better wake up and realize it. He goes on to say, talking about the primary genital zone of the body,
"The first way to accentuate is to employ articles of clothing which underline the nature of the organ hidden beneath them. For the female this means wearing trousers."
Now the fellow that wrote this is not a preacher. As a matter of fact, in this article he is telling you how to send sexual signals by the way you dress. He continues:
"The way to emphasize the nature of the organs of the body is by wearing these clothing: trousers, shorts, or bathing costumes, that by their tightness reveal..."
This is what people think when they see you dressed this way. In the Family Weekly magazine they had a true or false question and answer section.
"Question: What you communicate wordlessly has more effect on people than what you say? Answer: This is true. ... Question: People use clothes as a means of communicating with others? Answer: True. Psychological studies at Britain's University of Newcastle have demonstrated that people use clothes to tell others what they want them to believe about them."
In other words the wearer is not trying to tell others what he is really like, but is trying to communicate his ideal self-image, the kind of person he wishes he was. That's what these experts say. What you wear says something about you.
I know very well that not everybody who wears the items of clothing mentioned in the McCall's article has an immoral motive. Here's what I'm trying to get you to see: Whether you like it or not, this is what other people think. As a Christian, somebody interested in holiness, in winning people to Christ and getting people's minds off of sin, we need to go entirely the other way.
Whether you realize it or not, men look at certain portions of the body; and it doesn't matter whether you think that is good, bad, or otherwise, they are going to do it. And if you wear clothing that attracts attention to that, you are just helping them in their sin. That's why a dress, unless it's too tight, is better than pants; because a dress does not draw the attention to that part of the body that people look at and lust after.
I have a lot of other articles, but I have time for only one more. An article appeared in the Richmond Times-Dispatch, Richmond, Virginia, and the writer of the article was Anthony Surbony, a personnel manager for a large corporation. He had interviewed more than 14,000 men for jobs in the past years that he had been there. He said that the length of a person's hair tells a lot about him. Here's a man after 14,000 interviews. He said the left-wingers generally have long hair.
"They reject self-discipline, authority, regulation, proven logic and reasoning. They are more easily swayed by popular opinions and propaganda. They tend to accept and do anything if somebody simply suggests it's a style. Many employers find that they tend to be more dreamers than doers, where the reverse is the trend on men with short hair. Why is it so? Mainly it is due to a self-centered personality."
I have been saying that for a long time.
There are certain things that I like about women that I don't like on men. I like for women to look nice, and it doesn't bother me at all to see a woman in front of a mirror primping and fixing her hair. But it just about makes me want to throw up to see a man do that, and I've seen men do that very thing, just like a woman.
I quote further from the article mentioned above. He said long hair indicates a self-centered personality.
"The liberal left-winger seems to be more selfish and only aspire to goals that will benefit them individually, regardless of what it costs to others. They actually believe that long hair is beautiful on a man and they feel naked without it. They try to make up for lack of ability by attracting attention, or becoming a sex symbol. Longhaired liberals also reject the basic hunter/warrior responsibilities of man. They seem to think that society should provide for them and that someone else should guarantee protection. Or else they don't really believe that there are any enemies. In fact, some tend to bow before enemies, hoping to gain friendship."
Men have lost the basic responsibility that God inbred into a human being to fight for what is his and to provide for what is his. Men reject that, and the first thing you know, they think the government owes them a living. They don't feel responsible to go out make a living any more. It all goes together. We must remember that this man is an expert in analyzing people.
When I am considering what kind of clothes to wear, I need to ask myself this question: What does it make other people think about me?
PREDOMINATELY, WHAT KIND OF PEOPLE DRESS THAT WAY?
Here is the third question we need to ask: Predominately, what kind of people dress that way?
Do you think that a policeman who is going to be an undercover agent would dress like I am dressed? Do you think his hair would be as short as mine is? No, sir. Every policeman that I have ever seen or heard about in the last twenty years that became an undercover agent around the bars and gambling dens let his hair grow long, and wore sloppy, slouchy clothes, because that is the kind of people they are trying to catch. I don't want to look like that kind of person. It's not because I think I'm better than they are. It's because when Jesus saved me, He jerked me up out of that. That's what I used to be. I don't want to be that anymore. I don't want folks to think I've gone back to that.
See, here is the third question. Predominately, what kind of people wear the kind of clothes you are thinking of wearing? If it's the wrong kind, you surely don't want to identify yourself with it.
MUST I USE THE ARGUMENTS OF THE WORLD TO JUSTIFY IT?
Here is the fourth question: Must I use the arguments of the world to justify it?
"Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?" I Cor. 1:20
"That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God." I Cor. 2:5
"For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding." Col. 1:9
If you read these verses you find out there is a difference between the wisdom of the world and spiritual wisdom. A Christian is in trouble when he has to resort to the wisdom of the world to justify what he is doing. We ought to be able to use the wisdom of God. If I am going to defend my position I ought to be able to go to the Bible and use spiritual wisdom to do it. God help us if we have to use worldly wisdom to justify our clothing or actions.
WILL IT CAUSE OTHERS TO STUMBLE?
Here is the fifth question: Will it cause others to stumble?
"It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak." Rom. 14:21
King David walked on his roof top. He was lazy; he was disobedient; he was out of God's will. But also he saw a woman washing herself. She was either out in a yard where everybody could see her, or else she was in the house without the curtains drawn. And she was equally guilty in that lusting experience. I know David was out of God's will and should have been out fighting the battles, because the Bible starts off that chapter by saying that it was the time that kings went out to war that David stayed at home. I know that was wrong, and she likewise was wrong in taking a bath where a man could see her.
What you do or what you wear, will it cause somebody to stumble? Now you might say the other fellow has to look out for himself. That is not what the Bible says. The Bible says, "It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak." We are responsible.
CONCLUSION
We have considered five good tests regarding clothing. Is it worn by the opposite sex? What does it make other people think of me? What kind of people dress that way? Must I use the argument of the world to defend it? Will it cause anybody else to stumble?
In closing, let me encourage you to have some Christian convictions, and let me make some strong suggestions to you about these.
Number one, make sure your convictions are biblically based. When you believe something is wrong, you had better have a good Bible reason for believing it. You ought to know where the Bible talks about that, and if you don't think you can remember it, write it down so you can show people. Have biblically based convictions, not just opinions.
Number two, when you have a conviction, be firm. Don't waver no matter what crowd you are with, no matter what environment you find yourself in. If it is wrong to wear a bathing suit walking down the street, it is wrong to wear one in the swimming pool. The water doesn't have anything to do with it. That is why you have to be careful about where you go swimming. Do you expose your body to the lustful thoughts of others? They are going to think it whether you like it or not. Be firm in your convictions.
Number three, be kind when you have convictions. Don't be a smart aleck. When the time comes to express yourself, or to say no, or to give a reason, be kind about it. Learn your reasons, and know them, and don't be nervous, and don't be angry, and don't be snappy. Be kind about it.
Number four, don't act superior. Don't act like you are better than somebody else. That's the first charge they are going to make against you, I guarantee you. Anytime you ever have a conviction about anything, whether it be about music, or drinking liquor, others are going to say that you think you are better than they are. People have been saying that for centuries. That is not anything new. So don't act superior. Just let them know you aren't going to do that thing.
Number five, if you have to talk to somebody about these things deal with the heart first. All of this is a matter of the heart. You might get somebody straightened out on the matter of the clothes they ought to wear and they still be just as lost as they were before you met them. Before I talk to anybody about clothes or anything else, the first thing I want to know is what about the heart? Have you been saved? Acts 15:9. Has your heart been purified by faith? Romans 10:9. Have you believed in your heart that God raised Christ from the dead? The first thing I want to know is about the heart and salvation. All that I said here tonight applies to those who are saved. If you haven't been saved, it's not going to help your soul one way or the other to change your clothes. It's not going to help at all. If Jesus does not live in your heart, that is your first need. You first have to come to Christ.
If you are saved it is still a matter of the heart. If I were talking to a Christian about this, the first thing I would want to talk to him about would be the heart. Is your heart right with God? If your heart's not right with God, you are not going to be able to understand any of this. You're going to resent every argument, and resent anybody even bringing up this discussion.
The Bible talks about the heart. Hebrews 10:22—"Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water." God is talking to Christian people there. And in verses 24 and 25, "And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." It's a matter of the heart.
Originally transcribed from audiocassette. First published July 30, 2002 (Republished August, 2004), by David Cloud, Fundamental Baptist Information Service, P.O. Box 610368, Port Huron, MI 48061.
Copyright ©1996-2022 WholesomeWords.org • All rights reserved.
"...to the glory of God."
|
|
A WARNING - WOLF WATCH MINISTRY
|
|
by Bill Brinkworth
In This Issue:
Volume: 871 August 8, 2022
Theme: Liberalism
The Damage They Have Done
Bill Brinkworth
A liberal philosophy has existed throughout history, but rarely has it done as much damage to society as it has done in the last fifty years. Many boast and are not ashamed of having such a philosophy, but its destruction to individuals and the populace is far-reaching.
Webster’s dictionary (1828) defines “liberal” in many ways. The definitions applied to a liberal philosophy include “not literal or strict, licentious, lacking decorum, unseemly beliefs, favoring changes, progressive, tolerant of other views.” Liberal thinking is usually a value system that deviates from what is traditionally considered normal and moral. From a Christian’s perspective, it includes beliefs that reject and want to change moral truths preserved by God in His Word, the Bible.
Any variance from how God wants man to believe and live will only lead to an individual or society becoming more immoral and living a lifestyle further from God’s demands. The outcome of accepting immorality has never been good for cultures of the past. Societies deviating from following God’s guidelines have suffered, whereas those abiding by His commandments have flourished.
Over the years, we have not discouraged these philosophies contrary to God’s Word. In too many cases, liberal thinking has even been encouraged. Liberal philosophers, politicians, preachers, professors, and teachers, whose beliefs kept them from being employed in the past, are now sometimes given preferential treatment in getting a job. Although their thinking is often accepted, the price it has cost society is immeasurable.
Here are some of the negative changes liberalism has caused in our society:
- Where the morality of the majority of society was in line with scriptural teachings, the Bible has been banned in many institutions, societies, and even in conversation. In doing so, the standard that says lying, stealing, taking of lives, adultery, homosexuality, worshipping other gods, and other moral limitations, has been removed. Without God’s standards, it is acceptable to tell “little” white lies, take things that do not belong to you if you are needy, kill unborn babies because they are unwanted, commit homosexuality, and worship anything you want, because you feel better when you do so. Without God’s measuring tool, the Bible, anything goes.
- Leaders who once could not get a job or be elected if their character or beliefs strayed from biblical teachings are now elected to positions that make decisions that alter society’s morals. Elected leaders in the United States have passed laws that allow over 4,000 murders of unborn babies every day. They have also removed mentions of anything about God or His Word in public situations (including the Ten Commandments that were posted in many public buildings), encouraged public acceptance of homosexuality, making it a crime if anything is said contrary to their beliefs (“hate crimes”), and countless other anti-scriptural laws.
- Liberal religious schools have produced preachers and leaders brainwashed to question and doubt God’s Word. When they preach, they instill those doubts to their congregation, and now few under their preaching know what the Bible says, believe it, and certainly do not follow His Word. Because of the liberal infiltration of pulpits, “thus saith the Lord” is no longer instilled in minds. The “fear of God” has been removed from many churches!
- Tolerance of anything, including others’ beliefs, has allowed unscriptural, damaging lifestyles to breed. Humanity’s depravity is now laughed at and accepted most times, as there are no longer any standards that say anything is wrong.
- Teachers and professors with little biblical character and standards are allowed to guide and direct young minds during most of their students’ day. How do you think a student’s thinking will be after 12 years of liberal propaganda?
As an old ad said, “We have come a long way, baby.” Unfortunately, the way we have gone is morally downhill, and it is not good — in God’s eyes!
Just because the liberals are confused, have few biblical standards, and in many cases, are rebellious against God does not mean that we have to follow and conform to their way of life that we are forced to live! We, as Christians, know where the Truth is.
Our responsibility is to be examples many will want to follow. Christians are to be a light in this dark, sinful world. We need to lead Biblically, not follow unscriptural pathways. If one by one, we each live our lives according to what God has preserved in His written Word, once again, it will be unpopular to think and live contrary to what God’s Word says to do.
“Usually, the liberal tries to camouflage his true identity.”
— Dr. Harold Sightler
The Old Is Better
H. Cameron
What is the new theology?
Some substitute for Calvary?
Exalting sinful self, guilty man.
Ignoring Heaven’s peerless plan?
It cannot give my conscience peace,
Nor find my spirit’s sweet release.
What is the old theology?
‘Tis Jesus died instead of me.
Jehovah’s law he magnified.
God’s justice is fully satisfied;
I died in Him, yet live I again
With Him forevermore to reign.
“God’s perfect will and way need not be modernized.”
“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” Heb. 13:8
Christianity above Philosophy
Author Unknown
Every system of philosophy is little in comparison to Christianity. Philosophy may expand our ideas of creation, but it neither inspires a love for the moral character of the Creator nor a well-grounded hope of eternal life.
Philosophy, at most, can only place us at the top of Mount Pisgah, but there, like Moses, we will die. It gives us no possession of the good, Promised Land.
It is the province of Christianity to add, “All is yours.” When you ascend to the heights of human discovery, some things are beyond reach. Scriptural revelation is the only medium by which standing, as it were, on “Nature’s Alps,” we discover things which the “… eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”
“Man’s philosophy is a bully that talks very loud when the danger is at a distance, but when facing life’s real difficulties, it runs away and cannot be found.” — Author Unknown
Whose Christ?
Herbert Lockyer,
An Instrument of Ten Strings
Christians who love to be in places of worldly, sinful amusement give the world a false conception of Christianity. Their being in those places indicates by their presence that Jesus Christ can save, but He cannot satisfy and that there has to be some addition of the world to make the Christian happy.
I met a girl in Liverpool who listened one evening as I spoke about complete separation from the world’s ungodliness. She went home and was very unhappy.
She returned in desperation to tell me that if the theater, movies, and worldly amusements went out of her life, she would have nothing to live for.
I said, “God help you.”
“But,” she said, “I belong to the ___ church.”
“Well,” I said, “what has that to do with it?”
“We are told to have our quiet time in the morning,” she answered,
“and then we can take Jesus into all these places.”
“Well,” I said, “you may take your Jesus into those places, but you
cannot take the One of the Bible into there.”
“But, those who go to the limit to enjoy all the things that the devil provides in this world find that the way in the end is hard. For the moment sin appears to be the thing that you need, and there is a thrill in it, the ‘thrill’ soon harms the sinner, and it becomes a burden and a heartache.” — Dr. Harold Sightler
|
|
A WARNING - WOLF WATCH MINISTRY
The biggest problem in the church today is it is intentionally all too often non-confrontational
|
|
Abomination!
Bill Brinkworth
According to Noah Webster’s 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language, an “abomination” is an “extreme hatred, a detestation”. As harsh as that label is, there are many things that the Word of God defines as an abomination to God. It may surprise the “God is love” crowd when they discover there are things that God hates with disgust.
Although the word “abomination” occurs most in the Old Testament, God does not change
(Malachi 3:6). What He hated over two thousand years ago, He still hates today.
Here are some of what the Bible describes is an abomination to God:
Not worshipping God the way He commands. Many in the Old Testament did not abide by God’s Laws, and it was an abomination to Him. Not worshipping Him the way He wants us to worship Him today is also an abomination.
“He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.” Prov. 28:9 Also: Lev. 7:18, Lev. 11:13, Deut. 17:1, Deut. 23:18, Isa. 1:13.
Idolatry and false worship.
“Cursed be the man that maketh any graven or molten image, an abomination unto the LORD, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and putteth it in a secret place. And all the people shall answer and say, Amen.” Deut. 27:15 Also: Deut. 7:25, Deut. 12:31, Prov. 15:8, Prov. 21:27, Jer. 32:35, Eze. 18:12.
Those that are habitually disposed to disobedience and opposition (“froward”). "Froward" also means: not willing to yield or comply with what is required, ungovernable.
“They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are his delight.” Prov. 11:20 Also: Prov. 3:32.
Deceitfulness, even in business.
“A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight.” Prov. 11:1 This is referring to weighing a product with dishonest measurements.
“Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them are alike abomination to the LORD.” Prov. 20:10 Also: Prov. 20:23.
Lies.
“Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.” Prov. 12:22
"These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: 17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, 19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren." Prov. 6:16-19
Not honoring the differences in the sexes God created.
“The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.” Deu. 22:5 Also: I Cor. 6:9.
Sexual Sin, including adultery, incest, homosexuality, and fornication (sexual relations between unmarried people).
“And one hath committed abomination with his neighbour's wife; and another hath lewdly defiled his daughter in law; and another in thee hath humbled his sister, his father's daughter.” Eze. 22:11 Also: Deut. 22:22.
“Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.” Lev. 20:13 Also: Lev. 18:22.
Remarrying a divorced spouse.
“Her former husband, which sent her away, may not take her again to be his wife, after that she is defiled; for that is abomination before the LORD: and thou shalt not cause the land to sin, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.” Deu. 24:4 Also: Jer. 3:1.
Boasting pride.
“Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.” Prov. 16:5
All wickedness.
Those that live an unrestrained lifestyle of wanton sin are an abomination unto God.
“The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.” Prov. 15:9 Also: Prov. 15:26.
Toleration of wickedness.
“He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD.” Prov. 17:15
“And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.” Luke 16:15
Reading this incomplete list certainly should put a “Gulp!” in most of our minds, as some of our everyday or excepted behaviors are an abomination to the Creator. His never changing Word puts a spotlight on current day practices. No one can please God with sinful actions. We need to change! With God’s help and a repentant heart a saved person can keep a distance from behavior God hates.
It does not matter if current law allows or approves of certain practices and actions. People’s acceptance or approval also does not matter in the light of what God feels about our sin. If God says it is something He hates, we should be doing all we can to apologize and turn from doing abominable acts. How can anyone expect God’s hand of guidance, help, and grace when he is committing things God will not tolerate!
“If God is against sinful behavior, so should we!”
|
|
“Be Patient To All”
” … be patient toward all men.” I Thessalonians 5:14b
Life is filled with people who are different than you. I
know, I know, shocking truth, isn’t it! Yet, sometimes we fail
to appreciate the difference that make each of us unique. In
Christ, we are all covered under the blood, but we are not
“cookie-cutter” Christians. We have differing viewpoints,
different outlooks, and even dissimilar in our philosophy of
ministry. Listen to this:
To live above with those we love,
Oh, that will be Glory!
But to live below with those we know,
Now , that’s another story !
Churches today are filled with Christian people who don’t
all think exactly alike. Because of this, it behooves us to be
obedient to Christ when it says in our verse; ” … be patient
toward all men.” Some people have certain viewpoints
because they are young in the faith, and have not yet matured
in their walk with Christ. Some have ideas that are
preferences and not doctrinal issues. Some appear to be
Christians but may actually be wolves in sheep’s clothing.
Still, others may be honest, humble believers who have never
been taught what you have been and need to be exposed to
more truth or another view, all the while, maintaining a
viewpoint that parallels Scripture in every possible way.
Christian, we need to develop a deep love for the brethren,
even the ones who are not exactly like you and me! Since
Christ died for all mankind, we must do our duty to love as He
loved and be patient toward ALL men. – S.T.
Prepared by Roger Fulk, from the “Baptist Bread” JULY 27th, 2022. By author BRO. STEVE TAYLOR, Madison Baptist Church, Madison,
With permission from Tim Green, editor Baptist Bread.
|
|
“Come Out From Among Them”
by Paul Heaton, Pastor, Bible Baptist Church, Lupton, MI.
“Come Out From Among Them”
“Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye sepa-
rate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will
receive you. ” II Corinthians 6:17
Have you ever noticed how some verses seem to bother
people more than others? Nobody I know of gets uneasy or
defensive with Romans 3:23, but will be very defensive if you
read our text verse, and suggest that they need to be careful of
their friends and acquaintances. Solomon, told his son not to
make friends with an angry man. Why? ” … Lest thou learn his
ways, ” (Pro. 22:25a). Imagine that! I wonder how many
saints lost their testimony because they hung around with the
wrong-spirited person?
I want you to think about something the Lord said to His
people in Jeremiah 10:2a, “Thus saith the LORD, Learn not
the way of the heathen, … ” Just as Solomon warned his son of
the possibility of learning an improper spirit from an angry
man, so the Lord is warning His people NOT to learn the way
of the heathen. Perhaps that includes their language, their
dress, their music, their manners, their acceptance of the
worldly philosophies. It might well include their definition of
marriage, gender, worship and on it goes.
We’re not supposed to be like them; we’re supposed to be
like Christ. I’m afraid we’ve taken the easy route, and that is to
“learn to adapt to their ways.” God help us, saints! I
Corinthians 1:2b says, ” … to them that are sanctified in Christ
Jesus, called to be saints ,… ” Think about it! -P.H.
Prepared by Roger Fulk, from the “Baptist Bread” July 25th, 2022 devotional by author Paul Heaton, Pastor, Bible Baptist Church, Lupton, MI. with permission from Tim Green, editor Baptist Bread.
|
|
“Separation From The Brethren”
by DR. DENNIS CORLE
“Separation From The Brethren”
“Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.” II Thessalonians 3:6, 14-15
We know what the Bible says about separation from sin, and from the world and from the ungodly crowd. But there is also a time to separate from the brethren. You need God’s wisdom and leadership to know what to do and when to do it.
One thing we find out in verses 14 and 15 is that God makes it clear that even when the time comes for me to separate from some brother, I am to separate but never to attack him. I’m still to admonish him as a brother. I’m not to count him as an enemy. You may fight your enemies. You don’t fight the brethren. God says, “Even though he’s wrong, don’t respond to him in the same way that you would to an enemy.” He’s your brother, even though he’s going a wrong direction.
Even though an erring brother is a born-again Christian and going to Heaven when he dies, because of his direction, because of the way that he’s operating, it makes it impossible for me to fellowship with him. I must separate. However, I am not to become his enemy. I am to admonish him. – D.C
Prepared by Roger Fulk, from the “Baptist Bread” April 3rd, 2022 devotional by author DR. DENNIS CORLE, Evangelist, Claysburg, PA. With permission from Tim Green, editor Baptist Bread.
|
|
A WARNING - WOLF WATCH MINISTRY
|
|
Sign-up to receive the free DAILY VIEW e-mailed devotion at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/a26cc9M. It includes a KJV chapter, a short devotion teaching something in the day’s reading, and more spiritual food for the hungry soul!
Separate Yourself by Bill Brinkworth
An important biblical teaching is believers should be separated from sin and the ungodly activities of the world as much as possible.
It is taught throughout the Old Testament. God’s people, particularly Israel, were to keep their distance from the heathen, so they would not be exposed or tempted by the ungodly’s involvement in sin.
In the New Testament, early believers were also warned to remain as far as possible from the unfruitful, ungodly works of unrighteousness. God wanted His people nowhere near the grasp of harmful, contagious sin.
“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.” Eph. 5:11
The Bible tells us much about living a separated, godly life:
- From the beginning, God did some separating. God separated the unrighteous world from Noah and His family when He sent the flood. The ungodly perished.
- In Old Testament times, God repeatedly warned His people to separate from the ungodly so they would not end up doing the sins the enemies of God were committing.
- “Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the LORD.” Isaiah 52:11
- “Flee out of the midst of Babylon [a sinful nation], and deliver every man his soul: be not cut off in her iniquity; for this is the time of the LORD’S vengeance; he will render unto her a recompence.” Jer. 51:6 God was going to judge the sinful nation. He did not want His people to be included in the punishment that would be inflicted on the ungodly.
- God says not to do the sinful or “close to appearing sinful” activities they do.
- “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,” II Cor. 6:17
- Our example, Christ, lived a separated life. We claim to be “Christ-like,” which is what “Christian” means, so we also should live a separated life.
- “For such an high priest [Jesus] became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;” Heb. 7:26
A different way of living does not save anyone. “Not cursing, chewing, or hangin’ around with those that do” is a good practice, but it will not make one saved.
However, when one acknowledges one’s sin, realizes the price that will ultimately be paid for it, accepts Christ’s payment for one’s iniquity, and accepts Him as Saviour, that person is saved from the penalty of sin. That person will be changed on the inside, and changes on the outside should soon follow.
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” II Cor. 5:17
This “new creature” should want to live the way the Lord wants him to live. The child’s Sunday school song reminds us, “The things I used to do, I don’t do them anymore.”
The “new” saved person will produce godly fruits (actions that are pleasing to the Lord), not because he has to do them to keep his salvation, but because his new “heart” will want to do them for the Lord. A saved person should desire to please his Saviour.
“For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: 9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) 10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. 11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. 12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.” Eph. 5:8-12
The new-hearted Christian should realize that much of the way he used to live was not pleasing to the Lord. To please the Lord, he should want to separate himself from sin and its temptation.
For centuries, separation from sin and even the “… appearance of evil …” (I Thes. 5:22) were preached from most pulpits and practiced by most. Christians lived differently. They spoke, dressed, believed, acted, and thought differently. They were ashamed, as were their families, when they were involved in sin or even imitated the lifestyles of the unsaved.
This thinking and lifestyle are foreign to many of today’s Christians and are often ridiculed by them. One would be hard-pressed in most churches and Christian households to be able to tell any difference between “Christians” and the unsaved.
Some church leaders and believers spend more time excusing, justifying, and explaining their worldly thinking and lifestyles than remembering one of God’s most important commandments to His believers — to live holy.
“Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God.” Lev. 20:7 Also: I Peter 1:16.
God has not changed since He had the words penned in Lev. 20:7. No matter how those around us are living and believing, a Christian is always to live as godly as he can.
We are on God’s winning side, and we are to live like it. We are not to live like the ungodly.
When a Christian lives the way God commands, the ungodly will separate from him. Godly living convicts the ungodly, and rather than change their way of living, they often will alienate themselves from the source of their “feeling guilty.” Many Christians that do not live a separated life never make any difference to those around them, as their lifestyle is not a godly example.
“Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake.” Luke 6:22
The majority of Christians fail in the area of separation. Most often, they will not separate themselves from the things of this world and separate themselves unto God. They want the comfort of knowing they will go to Heaven, but their sincerity is lacking.
Most will not separate from the places they should not be. They also act, think, dress, and look like the ungodly. Their desire is to fit in like everyone else.
If the fad returns to have short skirts, many Christians will quickly be in the store to make sure they look like everyone else. When the fashion of long hair returns for men, they are the first to drive past the barbershop and find something to tie their hair back. Too often, Christians are more interested in fitting in with the world than they are fitting in with God and letting Him make them as holy as He can.
It would be more helpful for Christians if they had the attitude, “I’m a Christian. If the Bible shows me to do something, I will do it without question. If the world thinks I am peculiar, then that is their problem. As for me and my house, I will separate from the world and its many questionable behaviors. I will look, act, talk, and behave like the Bible says a Christian should.”
We should not strive to fit in and appear like everyone else. Remember when your mother said to you, “If your friends jumped off a bridge, would you do it?” We did not like her admonishment, but too many are doing that spiritually; we are doing what everyone around us is doing. Too many are following the world rather than leading the world by a Christ-like example.
The question or place of confusion for many is, “Well, what is it I should be separated from? What are the ungodly works of wickedness I am to keep away from?”
Reading the Bible will reveal the main source of what should be avoided — sin. There are more sins than those found in the Ten Commandments (Ex. 20). One man counted over 600 sins. One will not know what he should keep away from if he does not read the Bible and learn what they are.
“Well, many of the sins are for Old Testament times,” is often the retort. The Old Testament, particularly the Law, is the schoolmaster (Gal. 3:24) that teaches us what God likes and dislikes. Since God never changes, what was a sin to Him in those days, unless there is a retraction or permission given in the New Testament, is still iniquity today.
People feel more comfortable with a list of sins. However, because of man’s devices, dealings, and different times, sins change. A list of sins from Old Testament times would not always apply today.
Scales no longer have weights, so the sin of “false balances” would not be valid for most today. However, the principle behind that sin, cheating, and deceiving still can be applied today.
There were no guns in 1200 BC, but fatally killing someone with one today is still a sin. Murder has always been a sin, be it with a gun or a stone. Alcoholic beer is not mentioned in the Bible; however, drunkenness is to be avoided according to God’s Word.
Abortion also is not mentioned in the Bible, but the principle of not killing another and taking one’s life is forbidden by God. Many insist the dress codes and standards of the Old Testament are only for by-gone days, but the principle that honors the differences in the sexes as God created them has not changed.
Many justify sin and lack of separation with the excuse, “Today is different.” Sin is sin and always has been. The principles of what is iniquity needs to be learned from God’s Word and then applied.
Man’s lifestyles and possessions are constantly changing. A list of what not to do will never be accurate for more than several years.
It is the spirit of doing the right things that must be established, and then an attitude of discernment will hold true and guide one, no matter what changes in the world. It is the “spirit” of God’s law that needs to be the ruler to measure what is right and wrong, not just being on God’s list of sins (“the letter” of the law).
“Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.” II Cor. 3:6
When one lives a life far from the edge of being “wrong” or sinful, they will seldom have to worry about “falling into sin.” I learned this from my first pastor after I was saved.
Pastor Fedena drew an imaginary line on the platform and walked along it. He said that many Christians do not want to live a separated life, yet they still want to have an appearance of being a Christian.
They are so close to sin that it takes very little to unbalance them spiritually. He illustrated this by stumbling off the line he was walking on and tripping down the platform’s steps.
“But,” he went on to illustrate, “Those that have learned the wisdom to stay away from anything that would tempt them or even give an appearance of their doing wrong, get far away from that ‘tolerable’ line.” He moved far away from the imaginary line separating right and wrong. As he continued, he pointed out, “As I get farther away from the questionable ‘gray’ area, you will see that I am getting closer to God.” That is what living far from the edge of right and wrong does; it protects us from being tempted and falling into sin.
He went back to the line of “what-one-can-get-away-with-and-still-not-be-involved-in-sin.” As the preacher tried to balance on the line again, he warned, “Those that live close to the edge of where they were before they were saved, and know what sin is, cannot lose their salvation when getting too close to their old lifestyle, but they can get involved in it. They may lose their testimony that may take a long time, if ever, to get back. Their witness as a godly example will be ruined.
“When referring to Christian hypocrites, those that got too close to the edge and fell into sin are usually referred to. It is much safer to get far from the tempting edge and closer to God. If it is questionable, give God the benefit of the doubt and stay away from its involvement.”
That is what separation is all about: separating oneself from anything that will make one fall and hurt the cause of Christ. That is why God wants us to separate from many things of this world and, of course, from sin.
God loves us and does not want His children hurt by sin or weakened by its temptation. Separate yourself from the world and unto God.
“If you’re a Christian, why would you want to act like, live like, look like, or even talk like the devil’s losing side?”
Author
Posted on
Categories
Tags
Post navigation
ining!"
|
|
Share Biblical Truths with Others...by Bill Brinkworth
“But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.” II Cor. 11:3-4
The Apostle Paul was concerned about the early church in Corinth. He knew the devil would attempt to attack, weaken, and destroy the ministry there as he has done even to the first man and woman in the Garden of Eden. Paul knew that the subtle enemy of God would attempt to get the fledgling church to disobey and question God just as he did to Adam and Eve in the garden. The evangelist knew Satan’s tactics and how he often attacked and weakened God’s people.
Satan’s attack on God’s people today is not much different from the one on the early church. One of his tactics is not to totally halt talk about the things of God, but to confuse people into believing different things about what is spoken about in the Bible. The enemy of God is the originator of religiously correct confusion, which is similar to the secular politically correct confusion, which is being forced on many today.
One of the enemy’s techniques of confusion is the “religious” acceptance of another Jesus. This Jesus is spoken of much in modern churches. He was born in a manger. He died on the cross, but close examination of their religious teachings show that He is not same as spoken of in the Word of God.
Although they may claim that Jesus is the only “begotten son” of God, they also teach that Satan is Jesus’ brother, which is not scriptural. Some flatly deny, although they say Jesus was a good man, that he was God’s son (which false teaching is prevalent in the modern “bibles”), or He was just a prophet or “God’s messenger.” Others deny his virgin birth, which is the way He was born sinless in the body of a man, and this unvirgin birth would make him a sinner.
Many believe another Jesus, and not the one that came to this earth to save people from the wages of their sin. Many know of a “Jesus,” but it is not the Holy Son of God spoken of in God’s Word.
Another confusing ploy of the enemy is to make men believe and follow another spirit, rather than the Holy Spirit. This false spirit is alive and being followed today when people decide to do what they think is right and good. Rather than obey the Holy Spirit’s leading which is always in accordance with the Word of God, they follow the false, often unholy spirit of man. Some of these unholy spirits lead people and do not convict them of their dishonesty, drunkenness, deceitfulness, immodesty, lewdness, unholy lifestyle, or other sins. Their religion and philosophies justify the sin they are committing. It is another spirit they are following, as the Spirit of God would not permit any iniquity.
Another gospel is also believed and obeyed (Galatians 1:7-8). It is not the good news that Jesus died on the cross for sinners, and that His death is the only payment God will accept for any person’s sin. Today many teach obeying church rules, and doctrines will get one to heaven. It is also preached from some pulpits that good works, religious rites, or deeds will get one there, even though the Bible clearly teaches otherwise. Often a religion’s own writings have higher importance than the preserved Word of God.
Some even teach the false gospel that there are many different ways to heaven, while the true Gospel says there is only one way to Heaven and that is through Jesus (John 14:6). Others unbiblically teach that praying to dead Christians of the past can get prayers answered and sins forgiven. Man-made religion has added to or removed from the real Gospel that Jesus brought to mankind.
The true Gospel is the one that God has made sure we would have after all these years. The pure Word of God has been kept for us within the pages of the King James Bible. That Bible should be the only source of knowing the will and way of God, for English speaking people.
There is a real, unseen spiritual battle (Ephesians 6:12) occurring everywhere. The enemy’s goal is to send as many souls as possible to Hell or to weaken believers beyond usefulness to the cause of Christ. The battle can be lost by any that believe and follow the wrong Jesus, the wrong spirit, or the wrong Gospel. Be wary! Read you Bible for yourselves. Learn, obey, and follow only the genuine.
“Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” Galatians 1:7-8
|
|
A WARNING - WOLF WATCH MINISTRY
|
|
·
The biggest problem in the church today is it is
intentionally all too often non-confrontational.
This is why we are so Biblically ignorant as a culture. Too many churches that claim to still be faithful to the Word present/contextualize/apply it intentionally in a non-confrontational way. Therefore, many of the unsaved have not actually seen what we believe lived out, for we don't live much differently than them.
Non-confrontationalism is the biggest heresy in the church today, because it inhabits most of the churches that still preach the traditional doctrines of sin, repentance, the trinity, etc.
By self-imposing non-confrontationalism, we have emasculated the faith, rendered it defenseless against the Spirit of the Age, and thus done the same to the faithful.
That doesn't mean confrontation has to always be aggressive. Confrontation is not a method but a motive.
The Christ child we adore in the manger is confronting a sinful world, just as the fully ascended Christ on a white horse with a sword in his mouth and a robe dipped in blood.
But we have taught confrontation is inherently bad. We have made "love" an idol in our image. As in "love" is" what will be the most non-threatening and least offensive way I can present the Gospel to not risk anything on my end.
This is why we wait on political saviors instead of publicly taking a stand ourselves. Because we can be "the silent majority" and go and vote privately for our candidate without backlash.
The Bible is a book of confrontation. God is a God of confrontation. Christ becomes our Lord and Savior via confrontation.
Rest assured, Hell has never practiced the doctrine of non-confrontationalism, and never will. And it will continue surrounding us in this culture until we learn to embrace confrontation again. Steve Deace
|
|
ADDITIONAL LEARNING/TEACHING RESOURCES
WILL BE ADDED AS WE MOVE FORWARD
A WARNING - WOLF WATCH MINISTRY
W1005 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
|
|
A WARNING - WOLF WATCH MINISTRY
Read Study Learn Teach Mentor Train for Christ
|
|
7/7/2022
6 min read
The word "world" is not synonymous with the word "earth". More and more though I am hearing people make them so. The earth refers to the planet we reside upon and the basic soil from which it is made. And God called the dry land Earth, Genesis 1:10. Hushai the Archite came to meet him with his coat rent, and earth upon his head, II Samuel 15:32. World refers to the system of governance and culture by which man organizes himself.
Just as God made the earth, he made our world. He designed nations, families and laws. He was in the world, the world was made by him and the world knew him not, John 1:10. The world, or should we say, the system of man's culture, government, and interaction one with another is fallen. It is no longer what God made it to be. He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, Jeremiah 10:12.
Anyone who cares to look at our earth can see the power of God throughout all creation. To study the world is to see the corruption of man upon the face of the earth. No one watching an evening news broadcast is tempted to ascribe God's wisdom to the world depicted. Yet anyone reading of what God can do with our culture, government, and interactions one with another is struck by the wisdom.
Sometimes the Word of God shows us the world upon the earth as God would see it. That they may do whatsoever he commandeth them upon the face of the world in the earth, Job 37:12. In such a verse, to look upon the world is to look upon the outspreading of man upon this earth. We are commanded not to love the world, Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him, I John 2:15. When we love the world we besmirch ourselves and become just like it. God could not help but love the world, For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life, John 3:16. When God loved the world, he also became like it, For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him, II Corinthians 5:21. He became sin that we might be made righteous.
The world is an ever shifting untrustworthy conglomeration of the machinations of men. Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions, Ecclesiastes 7:29. There will come a day when God stops the shifting and changing. The world will become unmoving, it will have a form that pleases God once Jesus Christ returns and remakes the world in his chosen form. Say among the heathen that the LORD reigneth: the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved: he shall judge the people righteously, Psalm 96:10. Notice, that is a future verse.
We have another verse just 3 psalms later that tells us that the "world moveth not". One psalm tells us that the world will one day not move and the other speaks of it as an accomplished fact. The LORD reigneth, he is clothed with majesty; the LORD is clothed with strength, wherewith he hath girded himself: the world also is stablished, that it cannot be moved, Psalms 93:1. What do we do with two verses which supposedly are talking about the same thing, are only three chapters apart, yet can't agree on the timing? We trust in the exact English, that's what we do.
Let's review Paul Scott's entry to this blog where he discusses the difference between the words "established" such as is used in Psalms 96, and the word "stablished" which is used in Psalms 93.
"The word establish is well understood. The synonyms include founded and beginning at. We often see that a business, a community, or church was established, founded, or began at such and such a time, and in certain circumstances. Briefly, it means built upon. Founded and foundation.
Stablish, in its briefest definition, means built up. See the synonyms used in 1 Peter 5:10: perfect, strengthen, settle. James 5:8, 2 Thes. 3:3, and Romans 16:25 use stablish as strengthen. It’s not the founding of anything, but rather the building or strengthening of the already existing person or principle. Edified and strengthened."
Psalms 96 tells us that the world "shall be established." That is prophetic. When it is established, the social order, the government, and our interactions one with another will not be constantly moving and subject to change as they are today. There are many passages of the Bible which foretell of that blessed day. Psalms 93 tells us that the world "is stablished". How can something that has not been founded be built up? Psalms 93 is also obviously prophetic. Many prophecies in the Word of God speak in the present tense even though they are to be fulfilled many years later. The world must be "established" before it can "stablished". What is the use in having a perfect English bible if we don't follow its rules?
Why is that important? It is important because there is an ever increasing segment of the King James crowd that believes that the "earth" doesn't presently move. They often cite Psalms 93:1. Such a belief if stated clearly in the Bible would arrest me and force me to believe it. However, the Bible says no such thing. In fact, it says the opposite. Years before science ever figured it out, the Bible spoke of an earth riding a circuit. I have never wanted to believe something that required me to squelch or ignore part of my intellect. Fortunately, the King James Bible has strengthened my intellect and made me see the natural world more clearly.
For example, that the earth is spheroid in shape is never openly stated, but there are statements in the Bible which would make no sense if the earth was not spheroid in shape. Take the concept of a bottomless pit. The Bible tells us that there is one on the earth, Revelation 20:1, as well as other similar verses. Such a geographical feature could not exist unless gravity was in the center of the earth and the earth was constantly rotating so that a person in a pit in the center of the earth could never get to the bottom. This is just an example of the Bible being a couple of millennia ahead of science.
In the ignorance that pervades modern education it is often taught that the medieval church persecuted Galileo because of what the Bible said. Nonsense, the church persecuted Galileo because Thomas of Aquinas had just been sainted and he had misspent his life trying to harmonize the writings of Aristotle with the Bible. He therefore associated Catholicism with a flat earth at the center of the universe. It was science and religion that stood against Galileo, not the Bible.
As for the earth, it makes a circuit. It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in, Isaiah 40:22. There are many people who try to confound the "circle of the earth" with its shape. There is a difference between a spheroidal and a circular shaped object. The earth is not circular. A circle could not contain a bottomless pit. Even if it was circular God would not sit upon it as Isaiah 40:22 says.
Where does God sit? He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision, Psalms 2:4. Out in the heavens is a circle that God sits on. It is called the circle of the earth. The earth has a circle in the heavens because it has a circuit in the heavens. My Bible tells me that there is a circle of the earth in the heavens and that God sits on it. As usual, the bible had the news long before science did. The Bible said it hundreds of years before the birth of Christ, science figured it out about 500 years ago.
There is simply no verse in the Bible that says that the "earth" does not move. In fact there are many that say that it does move. The earth is moved at the noise of their fall, Jeremiah 49:21. The earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard, and shall be removed like a cottage, Isaiah 24:20. All the foundations of the earth are out of course, Psalms 82:5. Someone might say that the movement described by these verses is not the planetary movement described in a heliocentric solar system. I would agree. Neither is the movement in Psalms 93:1. That has not stopped them from building an ersatz theology off of Psalms 93:1 that contradicts both the scriptures as written in English and common sense observation. The earth and the world are not the same thing.
|
|
7/6/2022
2 min read
And after those days we took up our carriages, and went up to Jerusalem, Acts 21:15.
Within the King James Bible believing community resides a small but vocal minority who insist that the world is flat and that the sun rotates around the earth. When pressed on this, they merely state, "that's what the bible says, we believe our bible". I see that position as working discredit to our bible. I'll take a little time to explain why. Indeed from man's perspective, the sun does rotate around the earth. From man's perspective Paul and Luke went up to Jerusalem. From God's perspective they went down to Jerusalem. Acts 21:15 is written from man's perspective, not God's.
The bible does not place the position of God's throne directly above the center of the land masses on earth. Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King, Psalm 48:2. In Lucifer's rebellion he vowed to; sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north, Isaiah 14:13. Moses in the law recognized that when he wrote; And he shall kill it on the side of the altar northward before the LORD: and the priests, Aaron's sons, shall sprinkle his blood round about upon the altar, Leviticus 1:11. God's throne is above the northern heavens.
For Paul's party to travel from Caesarea to Jerusalem was to travel south. That is down from God's perspective. The elevation may have been higher in Jerusalem than at Caesarea, but the 75 miles further south and away from God's throne more than compensated for the increased elevation. They traveled down, away from God's throne. When Luke wrote that they went up to Jerusalem, he said so from his perspective's not God's.
When the bible says that the sun rose, it says so from man's perspective. From God's perspective the earth turns on its axis on a 24 hour basis and rotates around the sun every 365 1/4 days. I do not correct a King James Bible to state that. I take each of its statements in their respective contexts and honor God by believing them.
7/5/2022
2 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
My grandson plays games with his grandfather; and, that rascal, if he is losing, feels free to change the rules; so, the new version promotes a score that’s favorable to him! Similarly, when one political party is losing (speaking of children!), they attempt to change the rules— rewrite the Constitution to a version that is favorable to their cause. Outrageous as it is, they cite these reasons:
1. That document is out of date, it’s archaic. Below is an article from the Atlantic, stating the case for a new version to the old Constitution:
“America, we've got some bad news: Our Constitution isn't going to make it. It's had 224 years of commendable, often glorious service, but there's a time for everything, and the government shutdown and permanent-crisis governance signal that it's time to think about moving on.”
2. That document was written by men (all men, no women); therefore, it is not a credible authority.
3. Some of the language is …out of date, we should have a document that’s easy to read.
We the citizens, who have enjoyed the wisdom, liberty, and protection afforded by the old Constitution, find these arguments against its credibility ridiculous, unfounded, and foolish (and perhaps unpatriotic). Rascals! Imagine the anarchy, and chaotic mess at best, if we were to have multiple governing documents and authorities, and each person choosing the one that best suits him! (Judges 21:25).
It’s easy to hear a parallel argument about multiple bible versions, with each person choosing the one that suits him, on that particular day. I hear, “The old Bible, it served its use, but times are a changin.” And, they say, “That old document was written by men! – all men, only men! – we need a more inclusive authorship which incorporates a diversity…”
While their argument may seem sound to some, and it may initially appeal to those who seek to be open minded and fair (which isn’t a bad motive), they don’t consider the fruit of usurping a sole, time tested authority. As with multiple constitutions, and changing the rules mid-game, the 300+ English bible versions lead only to confusion, frustration, and spiritual anarchy. They never lead to equity (since we can’t agree on what’s right and fair) and it drifts and dulls away from the original intent. Nay, despite the tide of progressive activism, it’s far better, whether Constitutional or Biblical veracity, to do a little work, and gain understanding, and stay with the tried and true. Understanding is better than easy.
When the world speaks a new dominant language, and English no longer is the undoing of Babel, perhaps God will at that time, inspire a new version in the new dominant world language (perhaps). But for now, English reigns, and therefore the greatest English text, the tried and true, remains relevant and authoritative. Stay the course.
|
|
ADDITIONAL LEARNING/TEACHING RESOURCES
WILL BE ADDED AS WE MOVE FORWARD
A WARNING - WOLF WATCH MINISTRY
|
|
by Bill Taylor
This site contains papers about how marriage should work. Marriage is simple, but not easy. It's simple to walk across a room - just put one foot in front of the other. It's just as simple to walk from Maine to California - KEEP putting one foot in front of the other - but less easy. Marriage is a lifetime journey, not a short stroll.
What Drives Men to Marry?
Many women say they want to marry, but the way they behave makes it doubtful that any man will want to marry them. The New York Times published “Sex on Campus – She Can Play That Game, Too,” which argues that women are as eager to participate in casual “hookups” as men are.
At 11 on a weeknight earlier this year, her work finished, a slim, pretty junior at the University of Pennsylvania did what she often does when she has a little free time. She texted her regular hookup — the guy she is sleeping with but not dating. What was he up to? He texted back: Come over. So she did. They watched a little TV, had sex and went to sleep.
The Times called the woman “A” because she didn’t want her name used. A doesn’t particularly like this man, but he’s a handy sexual partner. She isn’t looking for a deeper relationship because she doesn’t have time: Continued Click Here...Marriage Under Threat: What Drives Men to Marry?
|
|
A WARNING - WOLF WATCH MINISTRY
Read Study Learn Teach Mentor Train for Christ
|
|
Winning the Lost
God Depends on Us
|
|
This book has three major segments: Discipline in Old Baptist Churches,
The Disappearance of Discipline, and
New Testament Church Discipline.
It documents the strictness of church discipline in Baptist churches prior to the 20th century and describes the downfall in discipline since then, both in convention or denominational Baptist churches, such as Southern Baptist, and in Independent Baptist churches.
The study on New Testament discipline is extensive and practical. It deals with the goals of church discipline, the right attitude of discipline, the patience and wisdom for discipline, the authority for discipline, the authority for discipline, discipline of interpersonal problems, discipline of disorderly conduct, discipline of public and grave offenses, exclusion and restoration, discipline of faith teachers, discipline of church leaders, inactive membership, and discipline and the Lord’s Supper.
|
|
Cultural Factors in the
Weakening of Churches
Following are some of
the factors that have weakened the character of Bible-believing churches over the past
70 years and helped create a mixed multitude of philosophies.
CLICKABLE LINKS THAT ARE NOT FOUND IN THE BOOK ARE ADDED FOR YOUR FURTHER STUDY OF EACH OF THE SUBJECTS BELOW:
Accessed from www.AWarningMinistry.com
|
|
ADDITIONAL LEARNING/TEACHING RESOURCES
WILL BE ADDED AS WE MOVE FORWARD
A WARNING - WOLF WATCH MINISTRY
|
|
Winning the Lost
God Depends on Us
And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. Mark 16:15-16 KJB.
|
|
THIS SITE CONTAINS PAPERS ABOUT HOW MARRIAGE SHOULD WORK. MARRIAGE IS SIMPLE, BUT NOT EASY. IT'S SIMPLE TO WALK ACROSS A ROOM - JUST PUT ONE FOOT IN FRONT OF THE OTHER. IT'S JUST AS SIMPLE TO WALK FROM MAINE TO CALIFORNIA - KEEP PUTTING ONE FOOT IN FRONT OF THE OTHER - BUT LESS EASY. MARRIAGE IS A LIFETIME JOURNEY, NOT A SHORT STROLL.
This is a list of messages in the blog. Clicking on a title takes you to a description which has a link to the article or you can use control-f to search within this list. Feel free to use any of this material in any way that supports His cause!
|
|
EXTRA ARTICLE FOR YOUR EDIFICATION!
|
|
Facebook YESTERDAY I SHARED THE POST TO THE LEFT TO ALL MY GROUP'S AND RECEIVED MANY GOOD RESPONSES IN THE
There are all kinds of books out there about how women don't understand men. (There are several that I can recommend for women who want to know. Just ask me!)
LOL! Now we men have a book to help us
understand women, guys!
And here is some research that may help
men and women, alike!
|
|
|
|
CLICKABLE LINKS THAT ARE NOT FOUND IN THE BOOK ARE ADDED
FOR YOUR FURTHER STUDY OF EACH OF THE SUBJECTS BELOW:
Accessed from www.AWarningMinistry.com
|
|
“Men & Dogs”
“But beware of men: … ‘ Matthew 10:17a
“Beware of dogs,… ” Philippians 3:2a
When Jesus spoke to His little band of brothers in Matthew 10, He was about to send them out as sheep among wolves! (vs. 16). He knew what they were about to face and what every godly, sincere child of God would face down through the ages. Friend, many of our spiritual forefathers and (mothers) faced the flaming pyres for their faith and testimonies. To beware is to be aware of the obstacles and hindrances to getting the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a lost world. Men and dogs are what one should be concerned with in Christian ministry. Men bite and devour, dogs growl and nip at one’s heels. There are a lot of “ankle-biters” that constantly cause problems for God’s workers and people. If one is aware of them, they can be avoided or at least stepped on if need be … accidently! Now, I could spend a lot of time today talking about these people who think they need a dog with them on airplanes! I sat by Mickey, I even learned his name due to the fact that he was always in trouble with his “master.” He ate, he drank, he yipped, he breathed his doggy breath on me for over an hour on a flight in recent days. This lady no more needed that dog than I need a case of the shingles! (P.S. I saw getting on a plane last Thanksgiving-a comfort parrot!) After that paragraph I could say to myself, “Beware of getting side-tracked and God bless you!” Oh, and beware of dogs and men on the road of life. – T.G
Prepared by Roger Fulk, from excerpts from the “Baptist Bread” May 24th, 2022 devotional by author Dr. Tim Green, Revival In Our Time, Day Heights, OH. With permission from Tim Green, editor of Baptist Bread.
|
|
Weakening of Churches. THERE IS A BIG LACK OF
‘WARNING MINISTRIES IN CHURCHES'.
|
|
|
“The Ministry Of God vs. The Ministry Of Man”
“God shall hear, and afflict them, even he that abideth of old. Selah. Because they have no changes, therefore they fear not God. ”
Psalm 55:19
The word ministry is an interesting thing to consider. To minister is to work or to help one in need. The word ministry in the New Testament is used in connection with those doing the work of God. Ephesians 4:11-14 speaks of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. These were given the responsibility to minister by the Spirit of God’s power and with the Word of God.
All too often in today’s world this work is done in the name of unity, prosperity, comfort, compromise and convenience. I call this the ministry of maintenance! This is the effort to keep that which is profitable and good without offending anyone. Therefore, the preaching is not to bring about repentance but maintenance. It is preaching to just keep things going as they are for the benefit of all. There is little preaching against sin, truth that is hard, worldliness or that which is offensive.
The ministry we have been given is one of reconciliation (see II Cor. 5:18). It is reconciling men to God. It is not reconciling man to man. The way of reconciliation is repentance. The “work of the ministry” that is of God is repentance; not mere maintenance.
A ministry that does not demand change is one that just wants to keep the status quo. NO CHANGES, NO FEAR OF GOD! -M.D
Prepared by Roger Fulk, from the “Baptist Bread”, May 18th, 2022 by author MURRAY DOUGLAS, Pastor, Ludlow Hill Baptist Church, Lawrenceburg, IN . With permission from Tim Green, editor of Baptist Bread
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
'Destroyed for Lack of Knowledge: Or What?"
Roger E. Fulk, Sr. 4/29/2018 Hosea 4:6-16 KJB from morning message notes filling in for Pastor.
God's Charges against Israel
1Hear the word of the LORD, ye children of Israel: for the LORD hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land.
2By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery, they break out, and blood toucheth blood.
3Therefore shall the land mourn, and every one that dwelleth therein shall languish, with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven; yea, the fishes of the sea also shall be taken away.
4Yet let no man strive, nor reprove another: for thy people are as they that strive with the priest.
5Therefore shalt thou fall in the day, and the prophet also shall fall with thee in the night, and I will destroy thy mother.
6My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.
7As they were increased, so they sinned against me: therefore will I change their glory into shame.
8They eat up the sin of my people, and they set their heart on their iniquity.
9And there shall be, like people, like priest: and I will punish them for their ways, and reward them their doings.
10For they shall eat, and not have enough: they shall commit whoredom, and shall not increase: because they have left off to take heed to the LORD.
11Whoredom and wine and new wine take away the heart.
12My people ask counsel at their stocks, and their staff declareth unto them: for the spirit of whoredoms hath caused them to err, and they have gone a whoring from under their God.
13They sacrifice upon the tops of the mountains, and burn incense upon the hills, under oaks and poplars and elms, because the shadow thereof is good: therefore your daughters shall commit whoredom, and your spouses shall commit adultery.
14I will not punish your daughters when they commit whoredom, nor your spouses when they commit adultery: for themselves are separated with whores, and they sacrifice with harlots: therefore the people that doth not understand shall fall.
15Though thou, Israel, play the harlot, yet let not Judah offend; and come not ye unto Gilgal, neither go ye up to Bethaven, nor swear, The LORD liveth.
16For Israel slideth back as a backsliding heifer: now the LORD will feed them as a lamb in a large place.
17Ephraim is joined to idols: let him alone.
18Their drink is sour: they have committed whoredom continually: her rulers with shame do love, Give ye.
19The wind hath bound her up in her wings, and they shall be ashamed because of their sacrifices.
RECOMMENDED READING
Keep From Backsliding – Again! by Bill Brinkworth
What Is It That I Said That Was Wrong? by Bill Brinkworth
|
|
"Destruction To Delight"
"The wicked worketh a deceitful work: ... so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death. They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD:" Proverbs 11:18-20
We see two very different contrasts and begin observing the downward slope of the wicked. These folk work a deceitful work, not realizing how many times their dishonesty has worked evil, because they have lied not only to others, but to themselves as well. Then, they pursue evil to their own destruction, which ultimately causes them to have a froward or a disobedient, unyielding heart to God. They have become an abomination to the Lord, because they have no desire to stop going down the slippery slope of sin; which causes their hearts to be turned farther from God.
However, in these same verses, the contrast is clear with those who want to do right and actually do right. As in, " ... to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward. As righteousness tendeth to life: ... but such as are upright in their way are his delight." It takes us sowing that which is right to reap the reward of that which is right. The righteous will or rather should pursue that which is right to life eternal. Ultimately, as it says in verse 20, that doing right will delight the Lord. We should strive to be a delightsome individual to the Lord, pleasing Him in all that we do, say or think. - T.H
Prepared by Roger Fulk, from the “Baptist Bread” May 7th, 2022 devotional by author T.H. TIM HALLET JR., Pastor, Birch Street Baptist Church, Eau Claire, WI. With permission from Tim Green, editor Baptist Bread.
Feel Free To Contact Me
www.RogerFulk.com Roger@RogerFulk.com
Church Discipline in the 21st Century
This book has three major segments: Discipline in Old Baptist Churches, The Disappearance of Discipline, and New Testament Church Discipline. It documents the strictness of church discipline in Baptist churches prior to the 20th century and describes the downfall in discipline since then, both in convention or denominational Baptist churches, such as Southern Baptist, and in Independent Baptist churches.
The study on New Testament discipline is extensive and practical. It deals with the goals of church discipline, the right attitude of discipline, the patience and wisdom for discipline, the authority for discipline, the authority for discipline, discipline of interpersonal problems, discipline of disorderly conduct, discipline of public and grave offenses, exclusion and restoration, discipline of faith teachers, discipline of church leaders, inactive membership, and discipline and the Lord’s Supper.
|
|
Cultural Factors in the
Weakening of Churches
Following are some of the factors that have weakened the character of Bible-believing churches over the past 70 years and helped create a mixed multitude of philosophies.
CLICKABLE LINKS THAT ARE NOT FOUND IN THE BOOK ARE ADDED
FOR YOUR FURTHER STUDY OF EACH OF THE SUBJECTS BELOW:
Accessed from www.AWarningMinistry.com
|
|
Feel Free To Contact Me
www.RogerFulk.com Roger@RogerFulk.com
|
|
Prov 20:1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise. (There are so many problems associated with alcohol consumption that it is best to leave it alone. Even in days when the culture had wine as a common beverage, the Proverb says it can deceive. We see the deception of alcohol today.
Many say that drinking is all right since it is culturally acceptable. The big argument is they did it in the Bible. and many religious groups not only endorse it but use it in their” communion” services.
I don’t pretend to know the alcohol content back then because I wasn’t there. I have read articles though saying it was not as much and the potential for alcoholism was less. But today there are a lot of bad things associated with alcohol. While many would use it to celebrate and at sporting events, others know the terror of a loved one killed by a drunk driver or the crime and problems associated with it for youth and those who become alcoholics.
Then there is testimony to others like children, youth, and those who are trying to recover from alcoholism. I know it’s a big industry and seems to be all over, but I think we have to see how we influence others by partaking in it.
I am glad my family and the families we have come from have never had to deal with the problems of alcohol personally because we have discovered that it's OK not to drink. Later in Proverbs 23:29-25, it talks of how it deceives. It will strike you and make you do foolish things if you get drunk. It will take you to places you should not go and will make you do things you should not do and when you wake up from the stupor you will not even know you did them.
So please consider your witness as a Christian to those around you and understand its association today is with more bad things than good. You don’t have to drink alcohol to be cool or refreshed.
|
|
The Discipling Church: The Church That
Will Stand until Christ Comes
by David W. Cloud, 550 pgs
Cultural Factors in the Weakening of Churches
Following are some of the factors that have weakened the character of Bible-believing churches over the past 70 years and helped create a mixed multitude of philosophies.
CLICKABLE LINKS THAT ARE NOT FOUND IN THE BOOK ARE ADDED
FOR YOUR FURTHER STUDY OF EACH OF THE SUBJECTS BELOW:
Accessed from www.AWarningMinistry.com
Church Discipline in the 21st Century
This book has three major segments: Discipline in Old Baptist Churches, The Disappearance of Discipline, and New Testament Church Discipline. It documents the strictness of church discipline in Baptist churches prior to the 20th century and describes the downfall in discipline since then, both in convention or denominational Baptist churches, such as Southern Baptist, and in Independent Baptist churches.
The study on New Testament discipline is extensive and practical. It deals with the goals of church discipline, the right attitude of discipline, the patience and wisdom for discipline, the authority for discipline, the authority for discipline, discipline of interpersonal problems, discipline of disorderly conduct, discipline of public and grave offenses, exclusion and restoration, discipline of faith teachers, discipline of church leaders, inactive membership, and discipline and the Lord’s Supper.
|
|
·
ABOUT MARRIAGE AND
PUTTING BACK THE PIECES!
Proverbs 27:8 "As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from his place."
Q. EVER WONDER WHY MANY MARRIAGES ARE FAILING TODAY?
A. WE ARE TOO PROUD TO ADMIT THAT WE ARE WRONG!
PRIDE DESTROYS US ALONG WITH OUR MARRIAGES!
LET ME START OUT BY SAYING THAT MARRIAGES ARE NEVER EASY! THEY TAKE MUTUAL EFFORT TO MAINTAIN.
(But help is always available from God who created marriage!)
THE DEVIL WANTS TO DESTROY EVERY GOOD THING THAT GOD HAS EVER PUT TOGETHER!
SATAN STARTED MARRIAGE'S DESTRUCTION IN THE GARDEN OF EDEN, BY CAUSING ADAM AND EVE TO DOUBT GOD'S WORD!
The top verse is the reason for discontent and abandonment of marriage vows BEFORE GOD, along with promises made up to each other at the altar.
DON'T ALWAYS BE LOOKING FOR GREENER PASTURES!
THE DEVIL IS ONLY TOO PLEASED TO PROVIDE ALTERNATIVES TO GOD'S PROVISIONS!
God is grieved by broken vows!
Matthew 24:12 "And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold."
1 Timothy 4:1 "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;"
This is happening because of the evil times in which we live, which excuse wrong for right and right for wrong!
Isaiah 5:20 "Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!"
It is also happening because some believe worldly allurements and temptations will make themselves "happy" again. But this false hope never works. Happiness is temporary. Joy, which God provides, is permanent!
SELFISHLY FOLLOWING AFTER SECOND BEST IS NEVER GOD'S FIRST INTEREST FOR YOU!
Marriages "wax cold" because the partners have forgotten their, "FIRST LOVE" which SHOULD be Jesus!
1 John 4:19 "We love him, because he first loved us."
Revelation 2:4 "Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love."
This is the reprimand Jesus gave to the first church He mentioned at Ephesis. It also applies for those who leave their marriage!
IN THIS WORLD, DUE TO OUR PRESENT STATE OF INCREASED DECEPTION, AND WICKEDNESS, MARRIAGES HAVE LITTLE CHANCE OF SURVIVAL WITHOUT JESUS AS YOUR PRIMARY HEAD AND GUIDE!
Turning around marriage has to first start with God Almighty for repair!
After all, God initiated marriages!
Matthew 19:6
"Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder."
If true love had found you in the first place, a love that was created by God, then restoration is possible. Even if your marriage hadn't started out TRUE, God can still put the pieces back into place!
But this takes a goodly amount of sincere prayer and willingness with both parties to let God help!
For starters,
Ephesians 5:25 "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;""
Colossians 3:19 "Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them."
HUSBANDS ARE ALWAYS TO BE THE INITIATORS!
Sincere apologies work best for foundational building blocks and for restructural purposes!
Ephesians 5:23 "For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body."
A wife who has a husband who truly cares for her and is sincere in his desire to be a Christlike example should be a dream husband to any woman!
She should be overly willing to follow this command:
Ephesians 5:22 "Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord."
The marriage union is NOT a slave/master partnering, as the devil has worked overtime to promote! It's a help-meet relationship, each partner sticking their oars into the water together, working our their issues looking to Jesus as their master first!!
When Jesus Christ is at the head of any marriage relationship, BY BOTH PARTIES, this following is true:
Ephesians 5:20-22 "Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God."
FEAR OF GOD IS MISSING IN MANY RELATIONSHIPS TODAY!
But what happens when only one partner is willing to try to start again? Repair is still possible!
1) Make fervent prayer to God!
(James 5:16.)
2) Show a Christlike love toward your partner. (A "pretend" love can't win them over again! It didn't the first time!)
3) Go out of your way to be kind! (Jesus wants to help you here!)
Follow the advice from the, "love chapter" of the Bible! (Love may be substituted for charity in many instances here.)
1 Corinthians 13:4-5 "Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5. Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;"
In other words, as Jesus love given to us is pure, so also is the love we give that starts from Jesus to others... pure!
My friends, it's all about a matter of prayer, and obedience to our Lord, Saviour, and Master, Jesus Christ! Maybe the missing component to marriage restoration is putting down our pride!
Will you give God back the throne of your life and fulfill His desire to let Him repair your marriage?
|
|
Based on the book of Proverbs, The Red Herring deals with
one of the greatest issues among Christians today.
Pastors, fathers, and families struggle every day
to spiritually survive as they fight to walk with God
while they are continually being hunted by
what Proverbs calls “The Strange Woman"
|
|
|
SUBSCRIBE
In today's interview, Dr. John Asquith addresses the effects that pornography has on the viewers brains. "Your Brain on Porn" by Gary Wilson is a secular book about the severe problems pornography causes in our society. Dr. Asquith comments on this book and recommends some answers from a Biblical perspective.
Dr. John Asquith and I circle back and discuss the crucial topic of what pornography does to the users brain, the destruction it brings, and the way to escape its grasp.
|
|
CLICK WEBSITES RIGHT BELOW:
Type or copy/paste into your browser for
a ton of SEARCHBLE INFORMATION!
|
|
CLICK WEBSITES RIGHT BELOW:
Click orType or copy/paste into your browser
for a ton of SEARCHBLE INFORMATION!
When you sign up for our mailing list, you will be able to ... "Stay tuned" for news and updates delivered straight to your inbox. Here you will find many different subjects with information and resources for your learning/teaching needs! WE WANT TO WELCOME YOU TODAY!
"Three Big Needs …
To learn everything else …."
2 Years Ago Roger Fulk May 2, 2019,
(1) Need to read and study and believe
and apply the King James Bible.
(2) Need to study true Baptist Church History.
(3) Need to learn the proper methods of Biblical Interpretation.
If we learn the truth, the lies will stick out like a sore thumb!
IF WE STUDY AND LEARN THE TRUTH … THEN THE LIES WILL STICK OUT LIKE A ‘SORE THUMB” … IF YOU ARE A BORN-AGAIN BELIEVER IN CHRIST INDWELLED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT AND HAVE DISCERNMENT! … I Corinthians 2:14
|
|
·
This subject is popping up again in different places … so I feel it my duty to post this post again … I have been looking for a good book written by a Christian on the subject of the problems in the modern church today, especially in the area of the effect of feminism! Well here it is ....See Contents and Sample Pages
The Discipling Church: The Church That
Will Stand until Christ Comes
by David W. Cloud, 550 pgs
Cultural Factors in the Weakening of Churches
Following are some of the factors that have weakened the character of Bible-believing churches over the past 70 years and helped create a mixed multitude philosophy.
Theological Liberalism
The Public School System
Materialism and Working Mothers
The Rock & Roll Pop Culture
Pop Psychology
The Feminist Movement
Self-Esteemism
New Evangelicalism
Television
The Internet
What is the real problem? How can it be fixed? Whose responsibility is it?
It needs to start in the Churches, with Professing Christians, Pastors and Leaders. We are a big part of the problem and here is why! And here is a solution to follow!
RESULTS FORFEMINISM”
|
|
by Bill Brinkworth
The actual church is the believers of Christ wherever they may be. If a believer is at home, that is where the church is. When the born-again child of God goes to the supermarket, that is where the church is.
“For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” I Corinthians 3:9
“Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” I Peter 2:5“
And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” II Corinthians 6:16
However, a physical church is an important place where believers meet to hear the Word of God’s teachings, a place to worship Him, and where they can be encouraged to serve and live for the Lord. The building is a recognized place where most know they should be able to hear what the Bible teaches. Many attend, and because of the preaching and teaching, decide to be born again into God’s family.
There are many dangers to the health and life-changing ministry that pastors and church attendees should be wary. Because of the local church’s importance, it faces many threats that could harm its role to the cause of Christ. Some demolishers that can weaken or destroy a God-honoring and obeying ministry include:
- Using “bibles” that have changed or water-down what the preserved Word of God teaches. There are over 350 different versions in the English language alone, each teaching something different after verses have been altered or deleted.
- “Bibles” labeled as “new versions” should signal to a Christian that God is not now just giving us His Word. It has been around since Old and New Testament times. God has preserved it for earlier believers, and it is safely kept for today’s Christians.
- For English-speaking people, every word God had prophets, leaders, and men of God pen still has every “jot and tittle” (Matthew 5:18) preserved in the King James version. Changing His words has weakened and destroyed many ministries.
To learn more why the KJV should be used for those speaking English, please view:
(Use the right arrow key to go through the presentation)
- A lack of unbiblical doctrines taught and preached. A ministry will weaken and not grow if opinions are taught rather than “thus saith the Word of God.” God preserved His Word because it will change lives and even societies. His will and way will never change and it is recorded in His Word.
- A lack of desire and attempts to reach others with the Gospel. One essential goal of a Bible-obeying ministry should be to reach the lost so they can be saved. If they are not sought and taught, there will be little growth in a ministry. Too many churches are spiritually dead, as they are no longer a “saving station” nor a hospital for the spiritually wounded.
- Unqualified or uncalled leadership in a church. The Bible clearly defines the qualifications of church pastors and deacons (I Timothy 3:2-13). Those in charge that should not be instructing or preaching will also weaken and destroy a ministry.
- “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.” Act 20:28
- Undealt with sin within the church. The Bible warns of sin throughout its pages. When sin is not preached against or is tolerated, the hand of God will be off that ministry!
- Those sowing discord among the brethren. Gossip against the preacher, teachers, and anyone within the ministry can also weaken and hurt a church.
- “These six things doth the LORD hate… 19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.” Proverbs 6:16-19
- Home Bible study groups. Attending a local church every time its doors are open and one’s personal Bible study should be the primary sources of spiritual feeding. The intention of having extra Bible studies sounds edifiying, but they often can result in being hotbeds for “sowing discord” against the brethren and teaching false doctrines. Even a diet of television and radio preaching can sometimes sow disagreement against what one’s church is preaching from God’s Word. Division can occur in a church because of those influences.
- Covid and other infectious diseases. If you cannot attend because of health issues, do your best to stay in contact with your local church leaders and members. Although we do not want to spread disease to other church members, separation from other believers and being part of a local ministry can weaken and slowly kill a local church. Lack of attendance also discourages the preacher and teachers and disheartens other church members.
A local Bible-believing, Scripture-obeying ministry is an essential need for children of God and surrounding communities. Lives have been improved, souls saved, and sin stopped by a church’s outreach and influence.
A church’s usefulness can easily be destroyed by allowing it to be weakened by many of the mentioned dangers. Do your best to keep its doors wide open so God’s will and way can be preached and practiced. If its doors are closed and its message weakened, how will the nearby people know God’s truths? Who will tell them if the local ministry is too weak to help?
“When the Devil saw that persecution would not stop the church, he changed to a different tactic. He joined the church. He began to hurt the church from the inside. He still does that today. He attacks the validity of the Word of God, and he tries to discredit the Gospel. If that doesn’t work, he tries to discredit the man who preaches the Gospel, as he tried to discredit Paul.” — J. Vernon McGee
Share to:.
|
|
A Discipling Church Is a Reproving Church
May 22, 2019
Way of Life Literature, P.O. Box 610368, Port Huron, MI 48061
__________
Outline
Christ’s Reproof
Paul’s Reproof
The Ministry of Reproof in Scripture
The Blessing of Godly Reproof
Effectual Reproof
Public and Private Reproof
The Ministry of the Body
A ministry of exhortation, reproof, rebuke, warning, and correction toward sin and error are necessary for making true disciples of Jesus Christ.
The ministry of loving reproof and correction is necessary for the type of atmosphere that produces disciples.
The Bible clearly emphasizes the necessity of this ministry.
“Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears” (Ac. 20:31).
“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them” (Eph. 5:11).
“Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus” (Col. 1:28).
“Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly...” (1 Th. 5:14).
“Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear” (1 Ti. 5:20).
“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (2 Ti. 4:2).
“This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith” (Tit. 1:13).
“These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee” (Tit. 2:15).
“As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent” (Re. 3:19).
But a biblical ministry of reproof is a neglected and grossly misunderstood ministry today.
A ministry of reproof is even thought to be strange and hurtful. A preacher told me recently, “You have a strange ministry,” referring to my reproof of erring pastors. Actually a ministry of reproof is strange only to those who have turned from Scripture.
To love righteousness is to hate sin, and to love truth is to hate error.
“Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way” (Ps. 119:128).
“Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good” (Ro. 12:9).
Christ said, “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten” (Re. 3:19).
John, the “apostle of love,” defined love as obedience. He said, “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous” (1 John 5:3).
Proverbs teaches us that the parent who does not chasten his child does not love him (Pr. 13:24). The same is true for a church leader. Those who do not reprove and correct the sheep do not love them. It would be like a shepherd who sees the sheep going astray but does nothing about it.
Further, a ministry of godly reproof is a ministry of spiritual growth and protection.
“Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus” (Col. 1:28).
“For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life” (Pr. 6:23).
Far from being harmful, a godly ministry of reproof and correction has the potential for great blessing.
The Necessity of Reproof
Reproof, warning, and correction are necessary because God’s people are still sinners in this present world. The “old man” is still present (Eph. 4:22). “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 Jo. 1:8). We are easily beset by sin (Heb. 12:1).
Therefore, every man is to be warned and taught (Col. 1:28), and note that warning is put first. In practice, teaching comes before warning, but here warning comes first. This is by way of emphasis. Every saint in Christ needs warning!
Without a ministry of reproof, warning, and correction, the saints do not grow spiritually as they should. They backslide. They become lukewarm. They become settled upon the lees (Zep. 1:12). They tend to go out of the way.
An environment of godly reproof, and warning is the atmosphere in which the Spirit of God convicts and challenges and keeps God’s people growing in holiness and separation from the fallen world system.
The Ministry of Reproof in Scripture
Reproof and correction is one of the purposes for which God gave the Bible (2 Ti. 3:16). To avoid reproof and correction is to cut a lot of truth out of Scripture. Some years back a man published The Positive Bible. He had the audacity to “remove the negative things from the Bible.” The result was a very small “Bible”!
The terms “reprove,” “rebuke,” “warn,” “admonish,” “chasten,” “convince,” “blame,” and “correct” are used more than 30 times in Acts and the Epistles.
These words have similar but different meanings.
“Admonish” means to put in mind; to caution; to charge; to reprove gently; to notify of a fault; to counsel against wrong practices; to advise; to instruct. The Greek word translated “admonish” in Romans 15:14 is “neotheteo,” which is elsewhere translated “warn” (Ac. 20:31; Col. 1:28). The word “admonish” is used for Jeremiah’s warning to the Jewish remnant about not going to Egypt (Jer. 42:19), Paul’s warning to the ship’s captain (Ac. 27:9), the admonition toward an erring brother (2 Th. 3:15), and God’s admonition to Moses to build the Tabernacle exactly according to the divine pattern (Heb. 8:5).
“Reprove” means to charge with a fault, to convict, to blame. An example is John reproving Herod for marrying his brother’s wife (Lu. 3:19) and Paul reproving Peter for his hypocrisy (Ga. 2:11). To reprove also means to persuade, to give evidence, to convince. The word “reproof” in 2 Timothy 3:16 is the Greek word “elegchos,” which is elsewhere translated “evidence” (Heb. 11:1). To reprove is to convince someone of his sin or error (1 Co. 14:24; Tit. 1:9). To reprove means to shine the light of God’s Word on the deeds of darkness (Eph. 5:11-13). The Spirit of God has come to reprove the world of sin (John 16:8).
“Rebuke” means to reproach, correct, chide, scold, reprimand. Nehemiah rebuked the elders (Ne. 5:7). The judges of Israel were to rebuke sin (Amos 5:10). Christ will rebuke the nations when He returns (Is. 2:4). Jesus rebuked Peter (Mr. 8:33). The Christian is to rebuke his brother when he trespasses against him (Lu. 17:3). Sinning elders are to be rebuked (1 Ti. 5:20). The Word of God is to be preached with rebuke (2 Ti. 4:2; Tit. 2:15). Some are to be rebuked sharply (Tit. 1:13). Christ rebukes those He loves (Re. 3:19). One’s attitude toward rebuke reveals his spiritual condition (Pr. 9:7-8; 13:1).
Admonish, warn, reprove, and rebuke are similar in meaning. All of these terms refer to correction. Rebuke is the strongest. Reprove and admonish are usually a little milder, a little less forceful. Admonition and reproof ignored or rejected leads to rebuke.
Christ as Reprover
Christlikeness is compassion and gentleness and patience, but it is also firmness, even toughness, in regard to God’s holy laws. The Lord said, “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent” (Revelation 3:19).
Consider how forceful Christ can be in reproof to His own people (not to speak of His millennial rod of iron and the issue of eternal judgment for the unbeliever):
“But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, GET THEE BEHIND ME, SATAN: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men” (Mark 8:33).
“Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and UPBRAIDED THEM with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him” (Mark 16:14).
“But he turned, and REBUKED THEM, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of” (Luke 9:55).
“Then he said unto them, O FOOLS and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken” (Luke 24:25).
“Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I WILL COME UNTO THEE QUICKLY, AND WILL REMOVE THY CANDLESTICK out of his place, except thou repent” (Revelation 2:5).
“But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, WHICH I ALSO HATE” (Revelation 2:6).
“So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and WILL FIGHT AGAINST THEM WITH THE SWORD OF MY MOUTH” (Revelation 2:15-16).
“Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. And I WILL KILL HER CHILDREN WITH DEATH; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works” (Revelation 2:22-23).
“Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I WILL COME ON THEE AS A THIEF, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee” (Revelation 3:3).
“I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I WILL SPUE THEE OUT OF MY MOUTH” (Revelation 3:15-16).
Five times in the Gospels, Christ expressed disappointment and reproof by saying that the disciples were of little faith (Mt. 6:30; 8:26; 14:31; 16:8; Lu. 12:28).
Christ “looked round about on them with anger” (Mark 3:5); called Israel a “generation of vipers” (Ma. 12:34) and a “faithless and perverse generation” (Mt. 17:17); called the Jewish leaders “hypocrites ... blind guides ... fools and blind ... serpents” (Mt. 23:13-33); sharply upbraided the cities in which He did mighty works (Mt. 11:20-24). He called Herod a fox (Lu. 13:32). He twice made a whip and drove the moneychangers and sellers out of the temple (Joh. 2:15-17; Mr. 11:15-17). He commanded that holy things not be given to dogs and pigs (Mt. 7:6).
Christ is the example that church leaders are to follow. To see compromise, sin, and error in the church and not deal with it effectively is not the Christ-like way.
The apostle Paul exemplifies the right “balance” in ministry. He said, “Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample” (Php. 3:17). See also 1 Corinthians 4:16; 11:1. On the one hand he was as gentle as a nurse with the believers (1 Th. 2:7). On the other hand, he was firm and unyielding about discipline (1 Co. 5; 2 Th. 3:6-14). He was a strong reprover (e.g., 1 Co. 6:5; 15:33-36; Ga. 3:1), and he taught the preachers under his watchcare to be the same (2 Ti. 4:2; Tit. 1:13; 2:15).
We see the ministry of reproof in Paul’s attitude toward the sin and error in the church at Corinth. He was kind and patient, but he did not overlook sin, error, and carnality. He dealt with it head on. He exhorted, reproved, and rebuked. He did whatever was necessary to effect repentance and change.
“Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you” (1 Co. 1:10-11).
“And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?” (1 Co r.3:1-3).
“If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise” (1 Co. 3:17-18).
“But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power. For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?” (1 Co. 4:19-21).
“It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife. And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you. For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed, In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?” (1 Co. 5:1-6).
“I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren? But brother goeth to law with brother, and that before the unbelievers. Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?” (1 Co. 6:5-7).
“Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?” (1 Co. 6:18-19).
“Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils. Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?” (1 Co. 10:21-22).
“For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken. What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not” (1 Co. 11:21-22).
“Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men” (1 Co. 14:20).
“If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?” (1 Co. 14:23).
“Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame. But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come? Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die” (1 Co. 15:33-36).
Paul’s ministry of reproof to the carnal church at Corinth worked repentance and change (2 Co. 7:8-11). A sound ministry of reproof and discipline has the same power today.
We see a ministry of reproof in James’ epistle.
“Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up” (Jas. 4:4-10).
James did not countenance worldliness and carnality. He dealt with it in the most direct manner. He called the worldly saints adulterers and adulteresses. He called them the enemies of God. He called them sinners and double minded. He called them proud.
There is no beating around the bush here. There is no speaking in vague generalities. James’ audience knew exactly what he meant and whom he was talking about.
This is the example for every church leader. Yet today it is common for preachers to accept worldliness as the status quo and to allow it to spread throughout the congregation. Instead of reproving the worldly members after the fashion of James, church leaders put worldly people into positions of ministry and allow them to influence the entire church body. Within a generation the spiritual character of the church is destroyed because of church leaders who won’t exercise the biblical ministry of reproof.
We see a ministry of reproof described in Paul’s instruction to Titus.
“One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies. This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith” (Tit. 1:12-13).
Titus was ministering on the island of Crete. He was establishing churches and training and ordaining elders.
But the national character of the Cretians was affecting the churches. Paul taught Titus what to do, and he was to exercise a sharp ministry of reproof.
Discipline must fit the character of the individual or church. It’s like chastening a child. Each child is different and must be dealt with differently. If a child obeys, he is not spanked, but the stubborn, self-willed child must be dealt with more forcefully.
This is true in the church. If there is a Cretian character, the chastening must be firmer and sharper. The Cretians tended to be liars (deceitful, dissembling), evil beasts (backbiters, gossips, hurtful), slow bellies (lazy, idle, living for their physical appetites). Because of their exceedingly poor character and slowness to obey God, the churches on Crete needed to be dealt with more sharply than churches in other places.
Sharp rebuke is contrary to the teaching of humanistic psychology, but God knows human nature and His Word instructs us how to deal wisely with stubborn insubordination.
“Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us. For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.”
This is a description of a strong reproving ministry of God’s Word exercised in the New Testament church.
Paul is giving a commandment, not a suggestion (2 Th. 3:6). This type of ministry is required of God in every congregation.
The passage deals with church members who are disorderly and do not work, but rather are busybodies (2 Th. 3:11). But it would apply to any type of disorderly conduct that is unlawful for God’s people to engage in.
The church is not to overlook this type of thing. It must be dealt with plainly and as severely as necessary to bring it to a stop.
Disorderly conduct is to be dealt with in a variety of ways. First, there must be teaching. The saints must be patiently instructed about the importance of good labor (2 Th. 3:7-9). Compare Pr. 6:6-11; 13:4; 14:23; Acts 20:34-35; Eph. 4:28; 1 Th. 4:11-12. Next, there is to be exhortation (2 Th. 3:12). The church is to be exhorted to do what God commands. Then there is to be reproof and rebuke of those who disobey (2 Th. 3:11). Finally, there is to be discipline if the reproof is not taken to heart and there is no repentance (2 Th. 3: 6, 14). We, see, too that brotherly love is to permeate a ministry of reproof and correction (2 Th. 3:15), which is one of the things that sharply distinguishes godly reproof with a cultic, Diotrephes type of reproof.
Paul is describing the ministry of reproof and correction that must characterize every New Testament church. The church is not to overlook disorderly conduct. It is to deal with it with every spiritual tool that God has provided.
The Blessing of Godly Reproof
“As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear” (Pr. 25:12).
Wise reproof that is received well is a great blessing. I have personally witnessed this many times over the years.
Following are a few examples:
In one of my classes in Bible School, a student frequently harassed the teacher from his (the student’s) Ruckmanite thinking. Finally one day as we were leaving class I reproved him about disturbing the class and showing dishonor to the teacher. I reminded him that he had not been given authority to teach that class, and the rest of the students were not there to hear his opinions. He was a large, gruff man, and I approached him in some fear, but he was humble and apologetic.
On another occasion I confronted a young relative about dating a worldly man who was contributing to her backsliding. We were sitting in our living room, and initially she ran out of the room crying. But she repented and today is married to a godly man.
I reproved one of our church men who consistently absented himself from our men’s discipleship meetings. We had exhorted him previously about faithfulness, but he had not changed. Now I said, “It appears to me that you are either unsaved, lazy, or you don’t like me and therefore don’t want to attend my classes.” I also said that if I had missed something, please let me know. After saying nothing for some time, he replied, “I am lazy.” I then exhorted him about his need to be zealous in his service for Christ and a good example to the church and to his own family. He has been faithful ever since.
I once reproved a young mother in our church about letting her daughter disobey her instructions and commands. I said, “If you are disciplining her properly, the evidence will be obedience. If she doesn’t obey, she isn’t disciplined. It’s that simple.” The mother took this to heart, and today her child obeys her and obeys other adults.
My wife and I discipline our grandkids when they stay with us, if necessary, which has been extremely rare. We never let them get away with disobedience or disrespect, and they know that we mean business. One of our grandsons was acting a bit rebellious one day, and my wife reminded him that she had her spanking stick handy. She was referring to a short rod, but it so happened that a seven-foot stick was standing in a corner of the room for some project she was doing, and the grandson thought she was talking about that. He was just a little guy and he was standing near that corner of the room, and after looking that huge stick over from the floor to the ceiling he was immediately in a better mood!
Of course, it doesn’t always turn out this way. When the ear is not obedient, the reproof won’t be fruitful in that individual’s life and might even result in trouble for the reprover, but God is glorified either way, because the reprover has obeyed God and honored His Word (Pr. 15:23).
This is true for every aspect of discipline. It doesn’t always result in blessing in an individual’s life, but it always results in glory to a holy God and the purification of the church (1 Co. 5:7-8).
The same is true for preaching the gospel (2 Co. 2:14-16). The preaching of the gospel is a sweet savour unto God, whether the person believes or does not believe. In the case of the unbeliever, God is glorified because His Word is preached and the offer of salvation is made and His goodness is evident even in the offer.
The preacher of the gospel and the reprover of sin and error obeys God’s Word, and leaves the result to Him.
Effectual Reproof
There are many things that are necessary for effectual reproof. To engage disobedience and error is no simple matter, and it must be done by those who are properly qualified and prepared.
1. The reprover must be filled with goodness.
“And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another” (Ro. 15:14).
He must have a respectable Christian testimony. He must not be a hypocrite. If the people to whom I minister see me doing things that are wrong, they will lose respect for me and my reproof will lose effectiveness. I’ve not always done right in this, but I know that a good testimony is necessary for a fruitful ministry of preaching God’s Word. And I am thankful that in spite of my failings, the Lord has given me a good testimony in the eyes of those who know me.
I once challenged a church member about her dress and asked her if she would read my book Dressing for the Lord. She replied, “I will read the book because of my respect for you.” A national preacher once said, “Brother Cloud can reprove us because we know he loves us and we know how long and faithfully he has ministered among us.”
If there are glaring sins and failings in an individual’s life, he is incapable of reproving those things. For example, if a pastor’s children do not know and serve the Lord, no one will pay much attention to him when he tries to teach them about how to raise children. And if he is divorced, they probably won’t listen very well to his warnings about divorce.
Being filled with goodness includes mercy and care. The one being reproved must know that the reprover cares for him.
This is why we can effectually reprove the young people in our church. They respect our Christian lives and they know that we care for them. Even when I have had to “rebuke them sharply” at times because of their sin and stubbornness, they have received it, or at least most of them have. Otherwise, the reproof could frustrate them and drive them away.
2. The reprover must be filled with knowledge.
“And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another” (Ro. 15:14).
The reprover must know God’s Word and know how to properly use God’s Word; the better you know God’s Word, the more fruitful you can be in helping others. Many saints remain ignorant year after year; therefore, they are ineffectual and unfruitful.
The necessity of being filled with goodness and knowledge reminds us that the young believer or even the young preacher should be extra careful about reproving. He doesn’t have the maturity to be as highly respected as an older saint; therefore, his reproof will not be received as well as that of an older saint.
I think of a little church in Tennessee where I taught Sunday School. One of the members was a rough old “hillbilly” with several children that he was not training properly. I decided to teach about child training, though I wasn’t even married yet. After the first class, he said, “You don’t know what you are talking about,” and if I remember correctly he stopped attending the classes. He was right that I didn’t know what I was talking about experientially. I was only about two years old in the Lord. I was still “wet behind the ears!” At the same time, he should have been more respectful toward God’s Word. He lost most of his children to the world. In fact, some of his children went to prison.
3. The reprover must be wise.
“As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear” (Pr. 25:12).
Consider some characteristics of wise reproof:
There is a right time and situation to reprove.
“He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears” (Pr. 26:17).
Reproof should be given when it is your business to reprove.
Since the pastor is responsible for his flock, it is his business to reprove them when necessary. He can’t say it is not his business. How can a shepherd say that the sheep are not his business? And how can the sheep say the shepherd has no business meddling in their lives?
The Lord has given the God-called preacher the authority to reprove in season and out of season (2 Ti. 4:2), but this doesn’t mean it is wise to get involved in every situation that comes to his attention.
Some situations will work themselves out without the input of a pastor, and he must have the wisdom to know these things.
When at all possible, the reproof should be made face to face rather than by email or text.
Reproof shouldn’t be given when the individual is severely distracted, such as during a tragedy.
Reproof shouldn’t be given early in the morning or some other very inconvenient time. One time a friend started reproving me about something he felt I was doing wrong, but he did it first thing in the morning before I even had my cup of coffee. Not wise! To reprove someone when he or she is preparing for something and is therefore distracted and under pressure is usually not wise. For example, if you want to try to correct something the preacher has said, don’t do it just before he is scheduled to preach. Be wise.
And the reprover must decide whether the reproof should be private or public. Paul reproved Peter publicly (Ga. 2:11-14), but there is also a time for private reproof. In general, public error should be dealt with publicly, and private error should be dealt with privately. Paul reproved Peter publicly because Peter’s hypocrisy was public and he was influencing others (Ga. 2:13). I am often criticized for reproving preachers publicly about their ministries, but I only do this when the ministry in question is public and that preacher is influencing people outside of his own congregations.
There is a right person to reprove.
The Bible teaches us to consider the character of the individual that is to be reproved.
In a nutshell, we should reprove when we are dealing with a receptive heart.
“He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot. Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee” (Pr. 9:7-8).
There are levels of reproof. I will give a certain type of reproof to the insubordinate and another type of reproof to the subordinate. When I am pretty confident that a person isn’t going to respond positively, I will still sometimes give a reproof because God tells me to (Eph. 5:11; 2 Ti. 4:2). But I won’t dwell on it or pursue it.
“Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.”
Verse 4 means not to answer a fool in like manner to his folly. Don’t respond to anger with anger, to mocking with mocking, to berating with berating, etc. But verse 5 says we should answer a fool according to his folly in the sense of what his folly deserves and requires. To give no answer can make him wise in his conceit, because he takes no answer to mean there is no answer to his folly. I sometimes follow this method in regard to email communications from obstinate people. Sometimes I ignore them totally; sometimes I reply briefly. But I aim not to get carried away with their foolishness by getting into name calling and mudslinging and character attacks. I’m not always successful, but this is my aim, because I know that to answer a fool in like manner to his folly is unwise and accomplishes nothing and takes me down to the level of the fool.
“But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.”
Here we see how to deal with the heretic, who is a person that has made a choice to cleave to error. He is “subverted.” There is something wrong with him. God’s Word instructs us to admonish such a person once or twice, and then reject him. The heart of the heretic is not receptive to the truth, and it is therefore a waste of time to pursue him.
For example, one night I accompanied some relatives to distribute gospel tracts and to witness to people in a park in my home town where a lot of people congregate on weekends. Some of my relatives played musical instruments and sang to attract a crowd, and the rest of us witnessed to them. A Church of Christ man accosted me with one objective, and that was to debate about baptism. I showed him from Scripture how that it is the gospel that saves (Ro. 1:16) and that baptism is not the gospel (1 Co. 15:3-4), but he didn’t hear a word I was saying. He focused on his false interpretation of Acts 2:38. In a short while, I said, “You are wasting my time. I am here to preach the gospel to needy sinners, and you are of the devil, because you are hindering me from doing that. If you believe baptism is the gospel, go to the other side of the park and preach your gospel. Goodbye.” I turned away from him and ignored any further attempts to harangue me with his heresy. I was careful not to say, “The Lord bless you,” because we are not to bless false teachers (2 John 10-11).
A ministry of reproof deals wisely with people according to their character.
There is also a right way to reprove.
The reprover must have “the spirit of meekness” (Ga. 6:1). He must put himself in the place of the person he is reproving and exercise the “royal law” to do unto others as he would have them do unto him (Jas. 2:8). He must reprove with the attitude that he, too, is a sinner who is susceptive to backsliding.
The reprover must seek God’s help and wisdom to know how to deal with every situation, because each situation is different. Consider Christ’s dealing with Peter in Matthew 16:21-23 versus His dealing with Peter in John 21:15-18. We see the difference between sharp rebuke and gentle but persistent exhortation. After Christ’s denial, the Lord knew that Peter was already deeply reproved by his own conscience and that he had wept bitterly (Mt. 26:75), so the Lord focused on questioning Peter about love. Christ got to the heart of the matter, which was Peter’s self-love and lack of love for Christ. This is why Peter, rather than John, was sifted by the devil. Christ’s persistence in asking Peter three times if he loved him pressed the issue into Peter’s conscience. It was extremely effectual and fruitful. Peter spent the rest of his life loving Christ and feeding the sheep. His epistles are extremely powerful and searching. He had indeed been converted (Lu. 22:32).
The reprover should know the difference between attitude and action. Both my attitude and my action must be right. Sometimes we are so careful to keep a right attitude that we don’t do the right action, or we do the right action with the wrong attitude. For example, consider a young woman who wants to serve in some ministry in the church, but her hair is too short. On one hand, hair length is a relatively small thing, but that doesn’t mean that it is of no consequence. Paul addressed it and taught that hair length is an issue of authority. The woman’s long hair is her God-given glory and is a sign of her submission to the man’s authority, whereas the man’s short hair is the sign of his submission to God (1 Co. 11:3-5). Paul said that even angels are affected by this issue (1 Co. 11:10). The right attitude in this context is to deal with the young woman kindly and patiently and to keep this issue in the right perspective in my own heart. I must remember that hair length is not necessarily a spiritual thermometer. A woman with short hair might love the Lord much more passionately than a woman with long hair, and a man with longer hair might love the Lord more passionately than a man with short hair, and love for the Lord is the most important issue. But keeping my attitude right does not mean that there is no action to take. In the previous case, the young woman needs to be instructed and guided in this matter so that she will come to understand the issue and not want to be an offense and stumbling block by her appearance. And the action includes enforcing the church’s standards for workers, even in external appearances and even in matters that are considered by many of “small” consequence.
We must exercise special wisdom in reproving an elder, referring to an elder in age as well as to a leader. An elder is not to be rebuked, but to be entreated as a father (1 Ti. 5:1). Paul is talking particularly about the fact that younger people are not to rebuke elders but rather must deal with them in an entreating manner. (In contrast, an elder, referring to a pastor, is to be rebuked if he sins, 1 Ti. 5:19-20.)
The wise repetition of reproof is a major part of the process of discipleship.
Human nature demands repetition in instruction and reproof. We don’t learn all at once, but a little at a time. We forget and have to be reminded of what we have already learned. Thus biblical reproof must permeate the church’s ministry and must incorporate repetition.
We see the principle of teaching by repetition throughout the Bible. But effectual repetition does not mean saying exactly the same thing repeatedly. It is dealing with the same subject in different ways, coming at it from different directions, presenting it in different contexts, emphasizing different aspects.
For example, consider Bible study. The leaders produce good Bible students by repetition. It isn’t enough to preach this once a year or mention it in a sermon once in awhile. It isn’t even enough to offer a course on Bible study. Bible study and every other major aspect of discipleship must be constant themes that are woven throughout the church’s ministry. The leaders must explain the reasons why the people need to study the Bible. They must exhort the people to study the Bible. They must teach the people how to study the Bible. They must rebuke those who do not study the Bible. They must do all of these things all of the time.
The same is true for teaching prayer, holiness, faithfulness, separation, modesty, etc.
Public and Private Reproof
Both public and private reproof are necessary for an effectual ministry of reproof. Here we are talking about reproof in the congregation.
A preaching ministry that includes clear and practical reproof and rebuke is a very essential part of a disciplined church. It is a necessary part of the atmosphere that produces true disciples.
Not everyone will respond properly to such preaching, but those who have a heart for God will grow in this atmosphere.
Public reproof is necessary for spiritual protection.
Public reproof is a major part of keeping the church disciplined, a major part of producing disciples.
Yet preaching with reproof and rebuke is becoming a neglected ministry. In many churches, the preaching is getting softer, and the result is a weakening of the spiritual climate of the church and the inevitable breaking down of the walls of separation from the world.
Once I interviewed a father about his grown children who were serving the Lord and asked him if he had any suggestions for other parents. The first thing he said was that after he was saved, the Lord had led him to a good Bible preaching church, and he determined as a young father that he was going to obey what the pastor preached. He tried to do whatever the preacher preached from God’s Word, and this resulted in good fruit in his family. Of course, we don’t blindly follow a preacher, but when the preacher is preaching God’s Word, it is right and wise to obey (Heb. 13:17). This church is a church where the preaching is given with plenty of reproof, rebuke, and exhortation, as well as sound doctrine, and those who submit to such a ministry are sanctified thereby.
An example of something that requires the ministry of reproof is the believers’ responsibilities before God such as being faithful to services and being faithful to prayer meetings. It is God who requires faithfulness, and the preacher must uphold God’s requirements (e.g., Acts 2:42; 1 Co. 4:2; Heb. 10:25).
Consider the prayer meetings. The members of the first church “continued in prayers” (Acts 2:42). But today it is typical that only a small percentage of church members attend prayer meetings, and this should be a matter of teaching, exhortation, rebuke, and even discipline, but many pastors are content with small participation in the sense that they do little or nothing to change the status quo.
I think of a large church in Florida that announced a women’s prayer meeting before the service, but my wife was the only one in attendance!
I think of two fairly large churches, but the special prayer meetings before the services are ill attended.
In fact, as I travel in my Bible conference ministry, I am almost always shocked by the pitiful number of men who attend such meetings compared to the number who attend the service itself. Typically, the prayer meeting is only about 15 minutes, so it is not a major sacrifice for the men to attend. Some are unable to attend, of course, but many simply don’t make the effort.
If a man can’t get off work and is therefore unable to attend, though he wants to, that is one thing, and we are patient with that type of thing. But in many cases, it is a matter of rank disobedience and lack of spiritual zeal.
I always rebuke men for this sin. I think of a church in North Carolina where I preached a Bible conference. There were just a few men in the prayer meeting, but there were probably 30 men in the services.
I don’t believe that a preacher has a right to ignore this type of blatant disobedience to Scripture.
I think of a church where I preached a Bible conference that ran from Wednesday to Sunday. The attendance on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings was about 50, if I remember correctly. I was therefore shocked on Sunday morning to see something like a couple hundred people in attendance. I began my message that morning by reproving those who had neglected the services. I said, “Where were you the last three nights? Didn’t you know that the church was having a Bible conference?” I was preaching a series on Revelation 2-3, and these people had demonstrated a powerful example of Laodicean lukewarmness! I thought that would be the last time I was invited to preach there, but in fact I have been invited back two or three times.
I think of another church where I preached a Bible conference. This church had not had a Bible conference in something like 25-30 years. The services were well attended and the response seemed to be good, but I noticed after a couple of nights that there weren’t many teens and young single people in attendance, and when I inquired about the matter I was told that the young people were at a softball league tournament. I couldn’t believe it. The first Bible conference in decades and the adults let the young people skip out for a softball game! The next evening, I rebuked the church for this great compromise. The day before this reproof, the pastor had been excited about the meeting and had even asked me if I could come back every year for a conference. But after the reproof about putting sports before Christ, I was never invited back.
But we refuse to accept this type of thing, and we have learned how to deal with it in our own church work. Ninety-five percent of our people are faithful.
We don’t want to rebuke our people. We get no joy out of that. The last thing we want to do is hurt them. We no more want to hurt our church members than to hurt our own children and grandchildren, but reproof and correction are matters of obedience to God and blessing for those who need it.
Our desire is that our people be true disciples of Christ, and we are willing to do whatever is necessary from our side to see that happen.
If God requires a steward to be faithful and if He has given us the example of faithfulness in the members of the first church, who am I as a church leader to require less?
The public process of perfecting disciples requires teaching, exhortation, reproof, rebuke, and discipline, in that order.
As with child training, chastening must precede rebuke and scourging or spanking (Heb. 12:5-6). The word “chasten” is from the Greek “paideuo,” which is elsewhere translated “learn” (1 Ti. 1:20), “instruct” (2 Ti. 2:25), and “teach” (Tit. 2:12). This is the foundation of proper discipline. The parent patiently teaches the child the difference between right and wrong and makes him to understand what is required of him.
Likewise, discipleship begins with teaching. You don’t reprove and rebuke and correct and discipline until first you have carefully instructed the church member as to what he is supposed to do. The same is true for child discipline. To reprove before proper teaching will produce confusion rather than good fruit.
So, in regard to producing faithful church members, we begin by patiently and persistently teaching our people about faithfulness and why they should be faithful and the blessings of faithfulness. This instruction includes the ministry of our One Year Discipleship Course which has a lot of teaching on this subject.
Together with teaching and instruction is exhortation. We exhort our people to be faithful. We weave this teaching and exhortation into the preaching and teaching ministry.
Only after teaching and exhortation is there reproof and rebuke. Those who do not obey and persist in unfaithfulness must be reproved.
Ultimately, there is discipline. If an individual persists in disobedience in the face of teaching, exhortation, reproof and rebuke, we do not allow him to be a member of our church.
Of course, there are many other elements necessary for producing faithfulness to Christ, including much prayer, compassion and patience.
Take another issue, that of loving God’s Word. According to Scripture, the believer is to have an intimate relationship with God’s Word from the time he is a babe in Christ (1 Pe. 2:2). He is to delight in it and meditate therein day and night (Ps. 1:2). He is to study it diligently and rightly divide it (1 Ti. 2:15). He is to become skillful in the use of it (Heb. 5:12-14).
God requires this of His people; therefore, the church leaders must require it.
Again, the process of requiring a right relationship with God’s Word begins with teaching.
We teach our church members about every aspect of Bible study. We teach them how to have a daily Bible study time. We teach them how to use Bible study tools and how to interpret the Bible for themselves. Our teaching on this subject is extensive and includes two courses, a basic one entitled The Effectual Bible Student and a deeper one entitled How to Study the Bible.
Then we exhort them to read the Bible and study the Bible and love the Bible. We weave this theme into the messages.
Finally, we reprove and rebuke those who refuse to obey God in this matter.
Other examples of things that commonly need to be reproved are husbands not being the spiritual leaders of their homes, husbands not loving their wives, husbands neglecting their children, wives not honoring and obeying their husbands, wives not being keepers at home, parents not disciplining their children, young people not honoring and obeying their parents, employees not being good workers, lying and dishonesty, laziness, not paying one’s debts, putting one’s work and business before God, putting education above seeking God’s will, and neglecting the duty of being an ambassador for Christ.
There must also be PRIVATE REPROOF.
“Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus” (Col. 1:28).
Note that this is a ministry to “every man.” Public reproof is not enough. There must also be individual, private reproof.
This is very necessary, and it can be very effectual.
I often talk briefly to individuals when they are late or miss services or other things in order to exhort them. I inquire as to their situation (such as where they were during the service) and then exhort them according to their situation and need.
We sometimes meet privately with members after church services to exhort them.
We also visit homes to encourage and exhort the people. Last year we used one evening every week to visit the homes of the church members. The church leaders visited each home together, and after we talked with the family and inquired as to their situation and needs, each of the preachers delivered a word of exhortation.
As with dealing with children, you don’t rebuke church members until it is necessary, and you don’t rebuke them more than necessary.
Usually the public teaching and exhortation and reproof and the private exhortation is enough.
But if the individual persists in disobedience, the leaders must get increasingly firm.
The Ministry of the Body
Another essential part of the ministry of reproof that produces a church of disciples is the ministry of the body itself.
The following are some of the Bible’s teaching about the “one another” ministry of the New Testament church. Note that admonishing is one of the ministries that the members are to exercise toward one another.
“And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to ADMONISH ONE ANOTHER” (Ro. 15:14).
“BEAR YE ONE ANOTHER’S BURDENS, and so fulfil the law of Christ” (Ga. 6:2).
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; TEACHING AND ADMONISHING ONE ANOTHER in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord” (Col. 3:16).
“But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to LOVE ONE ANOTHER” (1 Th. 4:9).
“Wherefore COMFORT ONE ANOTHER with these words” (1 Th. 4:18).
“Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and EDIFY ONE ANOTHER, even as also ye do” (1 Th. 5:11).
“But EXHORT ONE ANOTHER daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin” (Heb. 3:13).
“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but EXHORTING ONE ANOTHER: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Heb. 10:25).
Our goal is to build the congregation up in Christ so the members are able to minister effectively to one another. This does not replace the ministry of the leaders and preachers and teachers; it works together with that ministry and is under the direction of that ministry.
Note that the Bible doesn’t say that the members are to rebuke one another. They are to teach, encourage, comfort, exhort, and admonish. The rebuking should be done by the preachers and leaders.
Exhort means to encourage; to challenge; to cheer. The word translated “exhort” is from the Greek “parakaleo,” which means “to call near.” This Greek word is also translated intreat” (Lu. 15:25), “desire” (Ac. 8:31), “beseech” (Ac. 13:42), “comfort” (Ac. 16:40), “call for” (Ac. 28:20), and “pray” (Ac. 16:9).
Admonish means to put in mind; to caution; to reprove gently; to warn or notify of a fault; to counsel against wrong practices; to advise; to instruct. The Greek word translated “admonish” in Romans 15:14 (“neotheteo”) is elsewhere translated “warn” (Acts 20:31). It is used for Jeremiah’s warning to the Jewish remnant about not going to Egypt (Jer. 42:19), Paul’s warning to the ship’s captain (Acts 27:9), the admonition of God’s Word about sin (1 Co. 10:11), admonishing an erring brother (2 Th. 3:15), God’s admonition of Moses (Heb. 8:5).
I often hear of the operation of this ministry in our church. I hear of one brother or sister encouraging another, teaching another, exhorting another, comforting and helping another, and it is a great blessing to the church family.
Our more spiritual young people exercise this ministry toward the weaker ones.
We give instruction about this ministry, and we encourage it.
______________________
Sharing Policy: Much of our material is available for free, such as the hundreds of articles at the Way of Life web site. Other items we sell to help fund our expensive literature and foreign church planting ministries. Way of Life's content falls into two categories: sharable and non-sharable. Things that we encourage you to share include the audio sermons, O Timothy magazine, FBIS articles, and the free eVideos and free eBooks. You are welcome to make copies of these at your own expense and share them with friends and family. You may also post parts of reports and/or entire reports to websites, blogs, etc as long as you give proper credit (citation). A link to the original report is very much appreciated as the reports are frequently updated and/or expanded. Things we do not want copied and distributed are "Store" items like the Fundamental Baptist Digital Library, print editions of our books, electronic editions of the books that we sell, the videos that we sell, etc. The items have taken years to produce at enormous expense in time and money, and we use the income from sales to help fund the ministry. We trust that your Christian honesty will preserve the integrity of this policy. "For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward" (1 Timothy 5:18). Questions? support@wayoflife.org
Goal:Distributed by Way of Life Literature Inc., the Fundamental Baptist Information Service is an e-mail posting for Bible-believing Christians. Established in 1974, Way of Life Literature is a fundamental Baptist preaching and publishing ministry based in Bethel Baptist Church, London, Ontario, of which Wilbert Unger is the founding Pastor. Brother Cloud lives in South Asia where he has been a church planting missionary since 1979. Our primary goal with the FBIS is to provide material to assist preachers in the edification and protection of the churches.
Offering: Offerings are welcome if you care to make one. If you have been helped and/or blessed by our material offerings can be mailed or made online with with Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or Paypal. For information see: www.wayoflife.org/about/makeanoffering.html.
|
|
|
|
by permission 03/12/22
Calvinism: John Calvin (1509-64) French Theologian and Ex- Catholic.
Famous for his writings in his Book: Institutes of the Christian Religion (1536).
Taught that God Desired to Save some of his Creation and Damn the Rest with No Chance to Respond to the Gospel Call before their Conception.
That Jesus Christ Finished Work on the Cross was only a Limited Atonement. Not a Full Atonement for all Humanity.
That God Dosen't Desire All Men to be Saved. Even if the Pre- Dammed Person Desires to Come to Christ by Faith Blasphemer!"
|
|
Type or copy/paste into your browser for
a ton of SEARCHBLE INFORMATION!
|
|
THESE (3) WEBSITES ARE CURRENTLY
BLOCKED BY FB AND MESSENGER
Type or copy/paste into your browser for
a ton of SEARCHBLE INFORMATION!
|
|
"BIG PICTURE" UPDATED 02/23/22
LOOK AND SEE WHAT'S NEW !!
|
|
|
|
"Come and feast, food to fill your Soul!" Randall Wandell
|
|
|
THE OTHER GROUPS TO BE COMBINED.
MORE DETAILED INFORMATION BELOW!
|
|
EXTRA ... EXTRA ... READ ALL ABOUT IT! JUST ADDED!
|
|
VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION! |
|
This is about the BIG PICTURE moving forward!
If you are receiving this, it means that you may be a member of one or more of these groups displayed here!
As we “continue” using these groups they will become very slowly merged into two (2) EXISTING groups and will be displayed on these two (2) EXISTING groups on MeWe and FaceBook as "Baptist Church History" and "A Warning Ministry”
and (2) EXISTING WEBSITES
www.AWarningMinistry.com and www.BaptistChurchHistory.com
In addition, you are also being offered to subscribe to the email delivery system 'Constant Contact', which is only 30 days old as of 03/12/21 and will continue being built right now, for regular updates of all the subjects and groups listed below! The entire system will be under construction for some time, so come back and visit often for continual updates! Enjoy the ride and check back often.
We will still be using the same group rules, standards, and guidelines in all the groups, which have been used, merged, and updated for over two years to date.
At this time there are more than fourteen thousand members (some in more than one group) in these five groups! Plus, I personally have almost 5,000 members in my personal groups that are overlapping and see posts from the other groups on a regular basis!
THESE GROUPS HAVE BECOME OVERLAPPING AND ARE NOT
MUTUALLY EXCLUSIVE BY NATURE OF THEIR CONTENT!
The history of each group may be accessed using the links provided.
CHECK OUT ALL THE RESOURCES BELOW AND ENJOY THE
'MASSIVE' AMOUNTS OF INFORMATION AND RESOURCES
AVAILABLE AT YOUR FINGERTIPS!
HERE IS HOW TO STOP BEING CONFUSED!
START TODAY AND NEVER LOOK BACK!
What causes all the confusion?
THREE THINGS!
(
(2) Lack of Baptist Church History TRUTH
(3) and lack of proper Biblical Interpretation methods!
IN A NUTSHELL ... THE ROOT CAUSE IS … a SPIRITUAL, a HEART AND an IGNORANCE PROBLEM … that … causes all the other things mentioned … which are the symptoms!
“MAJOR CAUSES OF PROBLEMS IN THE CHURCH".
-
“Most Christians do not read the Bible. Many Christians who read the Bible ignore what the Bible says. Some Christians who ignore the Bible don't see that as a problem.” "Baptist Bread" July 17th, 2017 devotional by author Dr. Guy Goodell, Pastor, Bible Baptist Church, Hudson Falls, NY. with permission from Tim Green The Baptist Bread
- “Ignorance of Baptist heritage, which is so infectious in our pulpits and pews today, is dangerous and must be overcome with a renewed teaching of our Baptist heritage and heroes of past generations.” Appendix B Ten Affirmations Concerning Our Baptist Heritage, " Page 262, “The Collegiate Baptist History Workbook", by James R. Beller
- Lack of training in proper Biblical Interpretation methods, including Prophecy.
What causes all the confusion? Modern Bible Versions and Lack of Baptist History TRUTH and lack of proper Bible Interpretation! This is the root cause of all the other things that were mentioned.
SOLUTION:
We teach the entire counsel of God, based on the Authorized King James Bible, Proper methods of Biblical Interpretation, including prophecy and True Baptist Church History and Distinctives.
The Ten C’s ….. there may be more ….. Now here are Ten!
Greatest Commandments Matthew 22:36-40
Great Commission Matthew 28:16-20
Earnestly Contend for the faith Jude 3-4, 20-25
All the Counsel of God Acts 20:26-27
One Christ Ephesians 4:4-6
Another Christ 2 Corinthians 11:4
With Compassion, Christians are to have compassion
(1 Pe. 3:8; 1 Jn. 3:17; Jude 22). [See Charity, Labor, Love, Mercy.]
Pray without ceasing I Thessalonians 5:17
Creation Genesis 1:1-2, John 1:1-5 The seven c’s of creation!
His Commandments in Old & New Testaments Revelation 22:14C
How to stop all this confusion out there?
- Get saved so you “can” understand!
- Start reading the KJB and pray every day!
- Learn the proper methods of Biblical interpretation!
- Learn “true” Baptist Church History!
- Learn and practice the entire counsel of God!
- Attend a good Bible Believing Independent Church regularly!
|
|
"Three Major Problems In The Church" by Guy Goodell -...
"Three Major Problems In The Church" by Guy Goodell "Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God. " Matthew 22:29 KJV The church claiming preference as the "Body of Christ" is in trouble. I speak ...
Read more
awarningministry.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
The purpose of this Blog is to teach about Jude 3
IT HAS BEEN SAID THERE IS A BIG LACK OF ‘WARNING MINISTRIES’ IN CHURCHES. THIS IS A TEACHING RESOURCE TO HELP PEOPLE AND CHURCHES UNDERSTAND MORE ABOUT JUDE 3.
Read more
awarningministry.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
About The Author Roger Fulk |
Welcome to our Blog Posts and Keep coming back often and enjoy learning about many different subjects like this for your edification!
|
|
|
All subjects are not of interest to everyone, however we have found there is much confusion out there. We are here to help!
We aim to help people learn about many different subjects for your teaching and learning purposes! Keep coming back often and enjoy learning about many different subjects like this for your edification!
Thank you,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
